VOLUME 7 ISSUE 35
$3
Arts at the Canopy reception Page B2
September 11-17 2026
Never forget
33-hours, one community Give4Marion on Sept. 15 and 16 will provide key support for local nonprofits.
Lauren Deiorio, president/executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, celebrates as donations come in for Give4Marion in 2022. This year’s campaign will run Sept. 15 and 16. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Staff report
F After 25 years, the events and aftermath of 9/11 continue to resound. town of Shanksville. The 9/11 attacks killed 2,977 people. This was the single largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil. The attacks caused the deaths of 441 first responders, the greatest loss of emergency responders on a single day in American history.” While a great many of you also may remember exactly where you were that day, and what you were doing at the time, according to the website, “100 million Americans are too young to remember the day that changed our city and nation forever.”
or 33 hours over the two days of Sept. 15 and 16, Marion County will come together for something bigger than any one organization, cause or donation. Give4Marion will return for its seventh year, bringing residents, businesses, foundations and community leaders together to support local nonprofits that work every day to strengthen our community and serve our neighbors. Over the past six years, Give4Marion has helped local nonprofits raise more than $8.5 million. Those dollars have supported organizations serving children and families, veterans, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, animals and many of our community’s most vulnerable residents.
See Never forget, page A7
See Community, page A10
Brian Stoothoff stands by the Flag of Honor, which contains the names of those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, at the Ocala Fire Museum on NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala on Sept. 8, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
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n the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, I was sitting at my desk in the “Florida Today” newsroom in Melbourne on the Space Coast. There were always TVs droning in the background. On this day, however, what came across the screens made us all sit up and take notice. After the first plane hit the World Trade Center Twin Tower in a terrorist attack, the chatter began — What the heck is going on? After the second attack, the chatter got louder and the language got saltier
and the newsroom erupted into a buzzing hive of activity. By the time an airplane crashed into the Pentagon and another into a field in Pennsylvania, managers, editors, reporters and photographers were scrambling to put out a special section. I remember calling a local couple who we had learned were in New York City at the time. According to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum website, on that day, 19 terrorists associated with al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group, hijacked four commercial airplanes scheduled to fly from the East Coast to California.
“In a coordinated attack that turned the planes into weapons, the terrorists intentionally flew two of the planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a global business complex in New York City, causing the towers to collapse. They also flew a third plane into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia. Passengers and crew members on the fourth plane launched a counterattack, forcing the hijacker pilot, who was flying the airplane toward Washington, D.C., to crash the plane into a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, near the
160 years of tradition and excellence
Inaugural homecoming celebration on Sept. 19 will honor the legacy of Howard Academy. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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he founding of Howard Academy, Ocala’s first African American school, will be marked with a daylong 160th Anniversary Inaugural Homecoming celebration on Sept. 19 at the
Howard Academy Community Center. “I’m very excited about it,” said Narvella Haynes, an Ocala resident and 1969 graduate of Howard High School, which grew out of the original academy. Haynes said many of her family members also attended the school and remarked on its “family
oriented” aspect. The celebration of the history and legacy of Howard Academy is a joint effort of Marion County Public Schools’ Howard Academy Community Center and the Friends of Marion County Black History Museum support group. See Howard Academy, page A5
Davida Randolph, program manager at the Howard Academy Community Center, is shown outside the venue in 2023. The center will be the site of the Howard Academy 160th Anniversary Inaugural Homecoming celebration on Sept. 19. [MAVEN Photo+Film file photo]
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Ocala budget by the numbers...........A6 License plate readers..........................A8 Sports.....................................................A9 Patriot’s Day..........................................B1 Calendar................................................B8
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
COMMUNITY NEWS By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
The Marion County Public Library Headquarters building is shown on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on April 22, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette file photo]
LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH
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n libraries across the country, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. People can sign up for a free card at any of the 10 Marion County Public Library System branches. As a special bonus, community partners are offering discounts to all library card holders in September, in addition to the following resources: • Books, magazines, and large print books • DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks • Downloadable e-books and audiobooks • Genealogy and Florida family history resources • Online databases, including magazines and newspapers • Blood pressure machines • Seeds to grow your own garden Through the generosity of community partners, with
your library card you can also enjoy the following discounts through the month of September, the news release noted: • World Equestrian Center, 10 percent off dine-in purchases at Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Filo’s Mexican Cantina, Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop and Miss Tilly’s Lollipops • Appleton Museum of Art, 50 percent off admission • Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology, free admission • Reilly Arts Center, 10 percent off tickets to an Ocala Symphony Orchestra concert this season • Marion Theatre, free popcorn with admission For more information, visit library.marionfl.org, call 352-671-8551 or find the MCPLS on Facebook and Instagram.
- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Jean Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman
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dani@magnoliamediaco.com Andy Fillmore Reporter
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From left, Jim Henningsen, CF president; Joyce Brancato, CF District Board of Trustees; Bill Edgar, CF District Board of Trustees; Sen. Stan McClain; Rep. Richard Gentry; Jose Juarez, CF District Board of Trustees; Bobby Durrance, CF District Board of Trustees; Rusty Branson, CF District Board of Trustees. [Submitted photo]
CF RECOGNIZES LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
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he College of Central Florida recently recognized members of the local legislative delegation for their advocacy role, which, according to CF, resulted in $1 million in funding for workforce programs. The recognition took place during the Aug. 26 meeting of the CF District Board of Trustees. Sen. Stan McClain and Rep. Richard Gentry were present and spoke in support of CF’s mission and vision. Their participation highlighted the partnership between the college and state leaders who advocate for the educational, workforce and economic development needs of our community, the news release stated. “I think we are very fortunate to have a great delegation that does such a fantastic job supporting us in Tallahassee,” said Rusty Branson, CF District Board of Trustees chair, in the release. “We truly need their help and support, and they have always been there for us.” Expanding critical workforce programs was a priority for CF in the 25-26 legislative budget funding cycle. CF is in the largest workforce program expansion in its history
MCPS TOWN HALL GATHERINGS
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arion County Public Schools invites the public to talk about local schools during town hall gatherings hosted by Superintendent of Schools Danielle Brewer. The gatherings are open to all including parents, students, staff, neighbors and others. The events will offer a review of referendum funding along with opportunities to share what’s going well, what needs improvement and ideas for solutions. The public can talk with district and school leaders during the session, the press release noted. Each meeting will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. in school cafeterias: • Sept. 24 – North Marion High School, 151 W. Highway 329, Citra • Oct. 1 – Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28 St., Ocala • Oct. 15 – Lake Weir High School, 10351 SE Maricamp Roa., Ocala For more information, call 352-671-7555 or visit marionschools.net
and the extra funding allows the college to support the need for skilled workers in key industries. The $1 million in funding is being put to use hiring qualified faculty and staff for nursing, agribusiness, IT and other in-demand programs. CF also is utilizing the funds to expand existing workforce programs and launch new degrees, such as the Associate in Science in Precision Agriculture, Associate in Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism, Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education and College Credit Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, the release stated. “CF is grateful for the continued support of our legislative delegation and for their commitment to the communities we serve,” said Jim Henningsen, CF president, in the release. “Their advocacy helps strengthen the college’s ability to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and meet the evolving workforce needs of our region.” For more information, visit cf.edu/workforce
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HUNGER ACTION MONTH
s the region’s largest emergency food provider, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida knows that every action makes a difference and this September, during Hunger Action Month, is calling on members of the community to take at least one action to help fight hunger. Hunger Action Month, observed every September, is a reminder that no single action is enough on its own. When advocates, volunteers, donors and community partners play their part, those efforts connect into something larger that helps strengthen our community. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets, there are many ways for community members to take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive, the news release stated. Suggested ways to help include becoming a monthly donor or hosting a Fall food and fund drive; signing up to volunteer, register for a “Food for Thought” tour or attend an event; wearing orange on Sept. 29 for Hunger Action Day or purchasing “hunger fighter” merchandise to show support year-round. To learn more, go to feedhopenow.org/ham
CORRECTION Alayah Wilson was misidentified as Iyanna Lynell in two photographs in the “RENT” comes to The Civic article in the Sept. 4 edition.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Nonprofit reboot
Veterans Helping Veterans USA announces 30-day pause to evaluate and restructure. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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eterans Helping Veterans USA has announced a 30-day closure to reboot services to veteran families and enhance staff training to assist homeless and near homeless veterans. The shutdown of the facility at 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd., which serves upwards of 500 veteran families monthly, is planned to run from Aug. 28 to Oct. 1. The temporary shuttering is due to the challenges of the rapid expansion of aid with greatly increased expenses, coupled with the need for retraining case managers due to grant changes, according to Executive Director Todd Belknap. “In a year and a half, our pantry has gone from assisting veteran families with 2,500 pounds of food monthly to over 13,500 pounds monthly now. Unfortunately, donations have not kept up with the fourfold increase in assistance,” Belknap said. Belknap, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Deputy Director Myles McConico, a U.S. Army veteran, appear in a video and a statement is posted on the
Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, speaks during an event at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 10, 2024. The agency has paused operations for 30 days. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Veterans Helping Veterans USA Facebook page. “The need for veteran services in our community continues to grow and, unfortunately, donations have not been able to keep pace with the increasing demand. This difficult decision gives us an opportunity to evaluate our operations, restructure where necessary and
work toward a sustainable path forward. The changes will allow the nonprofit to address veterans needs in situations from near homelessness to homelessness and prevention,” the statement read. A county spokesperson said Veterans Helping Veterans USA has been awarded “a $100,000 grant via the Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care (CoC) (continuum of care for the homeless). This grant is on a reimbursement basis for veteran outreach.” The grant reimbursement runs through June 30, 2027. McConico said the organization is addressing the full spectrum of at-risk veterans, from near homeless veterans, such as those experiencing financial difficulty paying living expenses like utilities, to veterans living outdoors or in cars. McConico sees a “bottleneck” occurring as efforts proceed to get veterans into housing “There are a lot of case management challenges and, as we work to help a veteran get into housing, another is coming to us for help,” he said. Karla Greenwood, CEO of the nonprofit Interfaith Emergency Services, said the effect of the pause is already being felt by her agency .
“Veterans helping Veterans takes a lot of the burden off of other agencies by taking care of the vets,” Greenwood wrote in a text. “We serve a small number of veterans because most get services (and a broader range of services) from Veterans Helping Veterans,” she stated. “We’ve already seen an increase in veterans looking to Interfaith for help in just one week of Vets Helping Vets pausing services. We love serving our veteran community but couldn’t imagine Marion County without the agencies that focus on just the vets.” According to Belknap, VHV has eight paid employees. In August, 42 volunteers totaled more than 1,400 hours of time. When the snowbirds return, he said, the monthly total is normally over 1,900 hours. Meanwhile, Belknap is looking beyond the pause. “Our books are open and we are grateful to donors, past and future, for their generosity. Our story is still being written and our most fruitful chapters are yet to come,” Belknap said. Veterans Helping Veterans USA will continue to accept donations during the 30-day closure. For more information, call (352) 433-2320 or visit vhvusa.org
Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No. 2026-CP-001958 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RANDY W. NIEMI, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Administration of the Estate of RANDY W. NIEMI, deceased, whose date of death was June 29, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s.732.2211. Personal Representative: /s/ Terry Niemi Terry Niemi E 5127 MacDonald Ln, Apt. F Ironwood, MI 49938 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Bernadette N. Vazquez Bernadette N. Vazquez, Esq. SUMMIT LEGACY LEGAL 5950 S. Willow Dr., Ste. 230 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: (720) 573-9937 Email:bvazquez@summitlegacylegal.com Florida Bar No. 111743 The date of first publication of this notice is Sept. 11, 2026.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Judicial order prevented psychotic inmate’s return to streets The case of James Vidican, however, illustrates systematic failures. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
receive treatment and insurance costs would not be a factor. No charges were filed, however. The State Attorney’s Office would not respond to requests from the “Ocala Gazette” as to why they have not charged Vidican with felony battery on other inmates at the jail, according to jail records.
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n the night of Aug. 12, the family of 34-yearold James T. Kirk Vidican received a terrifying phone call. The State Attorney’s Office notified them that James would be released from the Marion County Jail the following morning. This would be the fourth time Vidican would be released since being arrested after he allegedly tried to strangle his father last September. Vidican, a former Belleview High School homecoming king with severe chronic schizoaffective disorder, was deep in a state of unmedicated psychosis. His family pleaded with prosecutors that he was an imminent danger to himself and the public. But according to his father, James Vidican Sr., the State Attorney’s Office was blunt: they were planning to drop the misdemeanor charges for violating a protective injunction order and cancel his competency hearing because they did not want to spend $750 on a courtordered competency evaluation when “they already knew the answer.” Had prosecutors dropped the charges, Vidican would have been released onto the streets again with no money, no ID and no medication, left to wander in a daze — again.
THE FAMILY’S ALARM AND THE COURT’S INTERVENTION
Upon learning of the state’s plan, the family pushed back. They pointed to the Marion County Jail’s own records that categorize Vidican as highly dangerous. The pressure worked. The competency hearing proceeded as scheduled on the afternoon of Aug. 13 before County Judge LeAnn Mackey-
TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR JAMES AND HIS FAMILY.
James Vidican as Belleview High Homecoming King/Marion County Jail booking photo.
Barnes. The judge reviewed a July 22 evaluation conducted by clinical psychologist Dr. Harry Krop after a prior incarceration in which he determined that Vidican was incompetent to proceed because he was actively delusional. But, under Florida law, a judge cannot commit an incompetent defendant to a secure state mental health facility if they are only facing misdemeanor charges. That is why the state attorney’s office leaned toward just dropping the charge that Vidican violated a protective injunction by returning to his father’s house. Recognizing this misdemeanor loophole, Mackey-Barnes adjudicated Vidican to be incompetent but placed him on a six-month conditional release. She ordered the Marion County Jail to transport him to SMA Healthcare to be further evaluated under the state’s Baker Act, which directs people to be held in custody if they are a danger to themselves or others. During the hearing, Vidican’s attorney, Public Defender Frances Ann Mouton Watson, noted that the legal system lacks a strong enforcement mechanism to guarantee that people comply with the conditions of their misdemeanor release.
But this was the first hearing where Mackey-Barnes was given an opportunity to address Krop’s report and she made it clear that she did not want to risk Vidican’s safety or that of the public by simply releasing him — which is exactly what happened the last time Vidican was arrested in May. On June 23, Vidican was released from jail, the very day after Krop’s evaluation noted that Vidican was actively psychotic — believing he was Jesus Christ, refusing all psychiatric medications and claiming that juries are selected from “the mailboxes of the United States of America.” Krop determined that Vidican was incompetent to proceed and recommended that he receive a Baker Act commitment to SMA Healthcare, but no one followed the doctor’s recommendation. Vidican immediately violated an injunction order and was re-arrested 24 hours later, which was his fourth arrest within a 12-month period. Vidican has been in multiple violent encounters while being held at the Marion County Jail. These incidents could have qualified him for a felony charge and for the state to send him to a state hospital, where he could
While the judge had ordered Vidican transported to SMA Healthcare, the jail lacked a direct criminal transport mechanism for an incompetent misdemeanor defendant. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office resolved this by executing a jailhouse Baker Act. At 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 14, jail mental health counselor Evan Jondrow, LMHC, initiated an emergency, involuntary civil Baker Act assessment inside the facility. Deputy A. Kitchin applied hand restraints and escorted Vidican to the infirmary. After being cleared by medical staff, Vidican was temporarily housed in Medical Delta Cell 104 on suicide precaution before the MCSO transported him to SMA Healthcare for involuntary clinical treatment. Today, Vidican is still at SMA Healthcare, hospitalized and receiving the stabilized clinical treatment he has desperately needed. The judge has scheduled a judicial review for Jan. 7 to check on Vidican’s progress. The family says SMA is trying to find a residential facility that can continue to care for and treat Vidican on a voluntary basis. However, his Social Security disability payments and Medicaid funds were automatically discontinued with incarceration, creating more hurdles to overcome to get long-term care. For the Vidican family, who have spent the last decade and a half fighting an indifferent
carceral and legal apparatus, the court’s intervention represents a glimmer of hope. “We are receiving more assistance than we have in 14 years of dealing with James,” his family told the “Gazette.” For the first time, a system they feel has shut its doors to them numerous times in the past has been forced to look closer because of a judge’s order to keep Vidican safe, treated and medicated. But for how long? The family wonders.
CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS
According to a 2025 Florida Department of Children and Families gap analysis, the state’s secure forensic hospitals are operating at a near-impossible 98% occupancy rate, with forensic waitlists swelling by 6% annually. While Florida law dictates that a county jail can only be used as an emergency holding facility for a maximum of 15 days after a judge signs a commitment order, court records show that patients routinely languish behind bars for an additional four to six weeks simply waiting for a hospital bed to become available. For defendants like Vidican, this systemic bottleneck transforms local jails into de facto, long-term mental health care facilities. State investigators estimate that Florida must add at least 1,602 secure forensic beds by 2029 just to keep pace with demand. In the meantime, local officials are left to manage the fallout of this deficit. To read prior reporting on Vidican: https://www. ocalagazette.com/fromhomecoming-king-to-inmate/ https://www.ocalagazette.com/ jails-decision-not-to-pursuefelony-charges-leaves-judgewith-few-options-for-mentallyill-inmate/
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Howard Academy Continued from page A1
Larry Johnson, the son of the late Rev. Leroy Johnson talks about some of his father’s historical items during a Black History Month program at the Howard Academy Community Center on Feb. 17, 2022. The center often hosts various community events.
Joey Mantia, Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe, who are all from Ocala and won medals in speed skating in the Winter Olympics, celebrate as they are honored at the Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala on March 25, 2022. Jackson was inducted into the Black History Museum of Marion County during the reception.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Barbara Brooks, a 1961 graduate of Howard Elementary School, shows her book, “One House, Block, Street, Community: Revitalization of West Ocala Historic District” during the grand reopening of the Black History Museum of Marion County at the Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala on Nov. 16, 2021.
The museum is housed inside the community center, located at 306 N.W. 7th Ave., Ocala. The event is set to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will kick off with breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., tours of the Marion County Black History Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and other activities throughout the day. Craig Hughes, whose family history with Howard Academy spans from his grandmother, Hermia E. Laroche, valedictorian of the Class of 1912 to his father, Calvin C. Hughes, Class of 1947, said members of graduating classes dating back to the 1950s are expected at the anniversary celebration. He encourages alums and other attendees to bring school memorabilia to the event. The many notable graduates of Howard Academy schools include World War II Tuskegee Airman Charles Bailey and Howard High School graduate Ron Coleman, the first Black athlete to earn a scholarship to the University of Florida in 1955, according to a Friends of Marion County Black History
Museum Facebook post. The late Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Edwards, a community leader who served as pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years, was a Howard Academy graduate and “graduated a year early” in the Class of 1955 before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida, according to his recent online obituary. The Friends of Marion County Black History Museum Facebook page has a post about 34 students from Howard High School and three other area high schools, Fessenden (Zuber), Belleview-Santos (Belleview) and Booker T. Washington (Dunnellon), who “changed history” following the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The 34 students attended the previously all white Ocala High School under an initial district “freedom of choice” option, the post states. “Their courage challenged generations of segregation,” according to the post. Ronald Coleman and the late Sylvia Jones (Seamon) were listed on the FB post
as members of the group of students referred to as the “Marion 34.” Jones, an OHS honors student, went on to earn a master’s degree from Florida State University and served as an educator and speech writer for former Gov. Bob Graham, and remained a lifelong civic activist according to a Feb. 3, 2023, “Gazette” article. She passed away in 2023 at age 72. The historic Howard Academy spawned an elementary and middle school and served as Howard High School from 1955 until 1969, the last graduating year. The school operated as a Black only institution before local schools were integrated, according to a Friends of Marion County Black History Museum Facebook page post. Howard Academy was initially established as a Freedman’s School and named Union Academy in 1866 and later the name was changed to Howard Academy in honor of Gen. Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and leader of the Freedman’s Bureau, according to the post. The Freedman’s Bureau was “responsible for the supervision and management of all matters relating to the refugees and freedmen and lands abandoned or seized during the Civil War…,” according to the National Archives website, archives.com According to a Friends of Marion County Black History Museum Facebook post, the early Howard Academy enrollment of about 60 students met in a log church schoolhouse and then moved to a two-room building on Osceola Avenue. Following two fires, a two-
story frame school was built at the current site, which served students up to 8th grade with enrollment just over 300 students. By 1955, Howard High School was accredited and moved to another facility on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The original Howard Academy became Howard Elementary School in 1956 and in 1966 the junior high was moved to HHS, according to the post. By 1971, Howard Academy was serving students third through fifth grade students. Juanita P. Cunningham succeeded Herbert S. Coleman and Ruby Bedford as principals in 1984. Howard High on Northwest 16th Avenue, which is now Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, became Howard Middle School at the close of the 1968-69 term and has remained so to date, the post indicates. According to records found at the center, Howard Elementary became the Howard Academy Community Center in 1985. The Howard Academy Community Center serves the needs of the Westside Ocala community with “specialized learning centered activities and community programs,” according to the Marion County Public Schools website. In 2002, Howard Academy was placed on National Register of Historic Places, according to the Friends of this Marion County Black History Museum. Barbara Brooks, a 1961 graduate of Howard Elementary School, said her family attended Howard Academy dating back to at least the 1930s. She provides the R.A.M.A.L. (Reach, Aim, Motivate and Lead) Educational and Social Services, Inc., tutoring program
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at the Howard Academy Community Center. She incorporated the Friends of Marion County Black History Museum, Inc., organization and serves as president. “Howard Academy is more than a building. It is part of the culture and fabric of the community,” Brooks said. According to information on the Howard Academy Community Center Facebook page, reservations are encouraged for the special 160th anniversary breakfast. “We are excited to invite you to join us as we celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Howard Academy — a remarkable milestone honoring 160 years of history, education, community and legacy. Our celebration will begin at 9 a.m. with a special anniversary breakfast, followed by a full day of festivities featuring food trucks, kids zone, local vendors and community organizations, museum tours, music, fellowship and more. If you would like to attend the anniversary breakfast, use this link to reserve your free ticket — eventbrite.com/e/199836155 1194?aff=oddtdtcreator According to a program shared via email by Alonzo Hardy, the welcome will be given by Lorreta P. Jenkins, with 160th anniversary recognition by Candace Shelton. That will be followed by a prayer and Howard Academy Now presentation by HACC Program Manager Davida Randolph. Proclamation and historic presentations will be followed by the school song, “Dear Old Howard,” and closing remarks. For additional information, contact the Howard Academy Community Center at 352-671-4175.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Fiscal knots untied School board sorts out school projects, shelves new central office and plans to borrow $160 million. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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ollowing weeks of debate, the Marion County School Board agreed during a Sept. 3 work session to borrow up to $160 million to accelerate longdelayed school construction projects and rebuild a historic local stadium, while shelving a controversial $35 million administrative office plan. The decisions represent a shift in how the district of over 45,000 students will manage its facilities in the face of steep inflation and a $2 billion deferred maintenance backlog.
THE CONSENSUS: NEW SCHOOLS AND A REBUILT STADIUM
The primary outcome of the four-hour session was an agreement to move forward with a hybrid municipal financing plan. The district will issue up to $160 million in voter-approved sales tax revenue-supported bonds this fall to finance the new North End Elementary School and replacement of Dunnellon Middle and High schools. By borrowing the funds now rather than waiting to accumulate cash through a pay-as-you-go strategy, the district expects to lock in current construction prices and avoid escalating market inflation. Financial advisors from the
Public Financial Management firm presented data showing that construction costs in the Southeast have risen at an annualized rate of 6% to 8%. Waiting five years to build these schools could cause their combined costs to soar from $264 million to $362 million. PFM’s cumulative models showed that paying $34 million in bond interest is far cheaper than the projected $85 million penalty of waiting. The board also agreed to wrap the $20 million rebuild of Booster Stadium, located at 3050 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, which is the home field for Vanguard High School, located at 2907 NW 2nd Ave., Ocala, into the same bond package. While the stadium rebuild will still be legally paid for using the district’s 1.5-mill capital property tax, issuing this bond alongside the sales tax bonds achieves significant economies of scale in financing fees and leverages the district’s stable credit rating. “I fully am in agreement that a 3.5% interest rate on debt is... a better approach than waiting to do projects and paying even for the standard inflation rate,” said School Board Chair Sarah James. “We would spend less money by borrowing it now to build it now than to do it later.” With the sale of the bonds projected to close by spring, construction on Booster Stadium is expected to begin next summer.
POSTPONING THE “TOUGHEST SELL” The board voted to halt the proposed $35 million centralized administrative complex. Board members expressed concern over the public perception of building a new central office while classroom needs remain underfunded and instead decided to delay the conversation until early 2027. Board member Allison Campbell suggested the district use the recess to explore colocation partnerships with local municipal governments. “I do think there’s an opportunity to have conversation with the county about what that looks like but not until they know what their property tax revenue is going to continue to look like in ... early 2027,” she said. Board member Nancy Thrower agreed, noting that the central office has always been “the toughest sell” to Ocala voters. Thrower urged the district to invite extensive community input before drawing up final blueprints. Board member Eric Cummings pushed for the city and county to have “skin in the game” for both regional projects. “I don’t think it should be an all-Marion County public school system venture,” Cummings said of Booster Stadium. “It should be a completely community venture because everybody’s going to
Booster Stadium, located at 3050 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, is the home field for Vanguard High School, at 2907 NW 2nd Ave., which is the only county school without a dedicated oncampus stadium. Plans are underway to renovate the historic stadium. [Photo by Michael Warren/Special to the Ocala Gazette]
benefit — the county is going to benefit from it, every municipality in Marion County is going to benefit from it. So, we need to create those partnerships now.”
KEY BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS: BELLEVIEW AND BUS FLEETS
The work session also cleared up two other key facility and operational questions: 1. The Belleview Elementary Replacement: Board members had questioned why the planned Belleview Elementary replacement project (combining Belleview and Belleview-Santos) carried a revised budget of $62.3 million — roughly $20 million more than similar prototype schools. Staff clarified that the $65 million figure was an early 2024 projection. The district has since determined it will retain and utilize two of the newer buildings on the current Belleview campus rather than demolishing them, which will reduce the final construction budget at its next meeting.
2. The looming bus cliff avoided: The board removed a proposed bus lease option from its financial plans. To address a looming problem in three years when 160 buses leased in 2019 reach end-of-life simultaneously, the board rejected taking on high-interest commercial debt. “I do not think it is a responsible decision to then go borrow a big chunk where a decade later the board is going to have to take out more money,” said Board member Lori Conrad. District Chief Financial Officer Robert Rios-Welsh agreed, stating the district would continue its standard $4 million annual payas-you-go capital replacement plan and design a debt-free transition strategy. The district will now prepare formal resolutions for the $160 million sales tax bond and the Booster Stadium COP issuance, with public hearings and formal votes expected later this fall. Read a prior article about the stadium renovation here: A boost for Booster | Ocala Gazette
By the numbers Breaking down Ocala’s proposed budget. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com
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ept. 15 marks the last chance for the public to weigh in on the city of Ocala’s proposed new budget. The final hearing will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in City Council chambers. There’s a lot to wrap your mind around before then, so allow us to break it down by the numbers. (There’s one caveat: The first budget hearing was the evening of Sept. 9, which was after our newspaper deadline. Therefore, this article won’t reflect any changes made during or after that meeting.)
$1.27 BILLION Yes, you read that correctly. That’s $1.27 billion with a “b,” which is the total proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. That number is 10% higher than the previous budget. Roughly 54% of that money comes from cash the city already had on hand. Another 24% comes from charges for services, such as water bills, electric bills and sanitation fees. Property taxes account for 4.6%.
51% That’s the percentage of the $1.27 billion that will be held in reserves. All told, we’re talking about $645 million. And, that word “reserves” accounts for several different things. A large chunk of this money ($421 million) is held in the city’s
three pension funds, covering police, fire and general employees. Budget Director Tammi Haslam said reserves also include contingency funds equaling 20% of operating costs in the general fund and 25% of operating costs in enterprise funds, such as the Sanitation Fund and the Electric Fund. Money is also set aside to replace aging technology, Haslam said.
6.6177 An Ocala resident’s property tax bill is based on this number, which has remained the same for 12 consecutive years. But while the number has remained the same, the property taxes probably haven’t. Here’s how it works: Property owners pay roughly $6.62 for every $1,000 in taxable property value. To estimate your bill, divide your taxable property value by 1,000 and then multiply by 6.6177. For example, a home in Ocala with a taxable property value of $250,000 will cost you $1,654.43 in property taxes. Keep in mind that if you own property in one of the Downtown Development Districts, you’ll pay between $1.47 and $1.72 more per $1,000 in taxable property value. If you’re wondering what your taxable property value is, you should’ve received a notice from the county property appraiser in August. However, you can also look up your details at pa.marion. fl.us
$178.6 MILLION That’s how much the city expects to pay in salaries and benefits in the next fiscal year, which is an increase of 10.4% from the current year. To put this in context, that’s 14% of the $1.27 billion dollar budget and 28.6% of the budget when we exclude reserves. The largest chunk comes from police salaries/benefits ($46.4 million) and Fire Rescue salaries/benefits ($33.8 million). All told police/fire employee compensation accounts for nearly 45% of total compensation.
3%
This is how much police union employees and non-bargaining unit employees are expected to see in pay raises. For police, that’s guaranteed by the union contract. For non-bargaining unit employees, that figure still requires the approval of the City Council. Firefighters just negotiated a new contract, with all EMTs receiving a $14,250 increase to base pay and paramedics receiving a $15,250 increase.
$2.8 MILLION
This is how much the city could spend on new personnel funding in the next fiscal year. According to an email from city PIO Gregory Davis, that money would pay for 28 new positions. For context, Davis said in an email the city has 1,340 employees. That includes 341 in the Ocala Police Department, 196 in Ocala Fire Rescue and 803 in
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all other departments. That $2.8 million pales in comparison to the $4.7 million in initial requests, but it could be pared down even further. City Council Member Barry Mansfield said at the Aug. 11 City Council budget workshop that he’s not sure the city needs to be hiring more people. He reiterated that point in a Sept. 4 interview. “My comment still stands,” he said. “I don’t think we should be hiring more people.” He then clarified that he wasn’t talking about hiring additional firefighters or police officers. Mansfield said in light of a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that could raise the state’s homestead exemption and decrease local property taxes, the city should prepare for the worst. “I really believe that this is going to pass and when it does, we’re going to have to tighten our belts,” Mansfield said.
15 That’s how many brand-new Growth Management fees are built into the budget, which helps explain how the department’s general fund budget is expected to grow by 13%. For example, there’s a new $500 fee for Return on Investment Review for Annexation, a new $150 General Growth Management Permit for traffic and parking studies and a new $1,500 fee for amending a General Developer’s Agreement. In addition to the new fees, there
are proposals to increase the cost of existing processes. For example, the general rezoning fee is set to go up $250 to $1,500.
$2.1 MILLION This is the amount of money earmarked for projects in the West Ocala Redevelopment Area. Roughly $1 million is to be spent on land acquisition for developing affordable housing or to help bring in a grocery store to what is referred to as the Paradise Park area, which, according to the city, is a food desert. There were plans to build the Paradise Park Retail Center at 2400 W. Silver Springs several years ago, but those plans never came to fruition. The plaza would have included a SaveA-Lot grocery store, a medical clinic and other businesses. Over the next four fiscal years after the upcoming one, the city has proposed spending another $1.2 million in additional land acquisitions. This coming year’s budget also includes $500,000 for a new permanent bandshell at Webb Field.
$14.4 MILLION This is the money the proposed fleet management budget has for 74 vehicles and other pieces of equipment, including generators. That figure includes nearly $6 million for Ocala Fire Rescue, including two engines, two rescue trucks, a tower ladder, four SUVs and two generators. Also included here is $1.2 million for new police vehicles.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Never forget Continued from page A1
Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Clint Welborn. [File photo by Lyn Larson, Mahal Imagery]
Brian Stoothoff shows the 40-pound steel remnant from the World Trade Center that he obtained from the New York Port Authority and which is now part of the Ocala Fire Museum collection. [File photo by John Jernigan]
Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta. [Photo courtesy Marion County]
“It is our shared promise — made 25 years ago — to never forget so those born after 9/11 learn its significance and enduring legacy. As we commemorate this anniversary, a new generation will learn about the unimaginable loss we experienced and the inspiring stories of bravery, compassion, unity and service that we witnessed, and have rippled through the decades,” the site states. Twenty-five years later, three local first responders recalled their thoughts and feelings about the horror and trauma of 9/11, the aftermath and how it all has changed the fire service and those who serve.
BRIAN STOOTHOFF, OCALA FIRE RESCUE, RETIRED
Brian Stoothoff grew up on Long Island in New York. As a child, he loved history and traveling. His father was a New York City firefighter and he said he knew growing up that it was a noble profession. Stoothoff moved to Ocala in 1978. He earned degrees from what was then Central Florida Community College and the University of Florida. After he graduated from the Florida State Fire College in 1982, he began working for the city of Ocala as a firefighter/emergency medical technician and later obtained certification as a paramedic. Along the way, the avid history buff began to amass a huge assortment of fire service memorabilia. After more than three decades, the efforts of Stoothoff and others resulted in the creation of the Ocala Fire Museum, which is located within the MLK First Responder Campus at 615 NW MLK Jr. Ave., Ocala. The venue is filled with mementoes, equipment, uniforms, tools and more, reflecting the 142year history of the Ocala Fire Department. Firefighters contributed the majority of the items, but some were donated by citizens. “Some of the museum’s oldest items date back to the 19th Century,” Stoothoff, who later retired from Ocala Fire Rescue as an assistant chief, shared in a prior feature article in 2022. “I have two favorites: the oldest item and one of the newest acquisitions. The oldest is the only known fireman’s badge that still exists, which dates from the 1880s. Although the name of the wearer is unknown, I envision that person was physically fit, brave and had a desire to help other people; similar traits to those who wear a badge today. “The other item special to me is a piece of severely distorted steel from the collapse of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th, 2001. I was able to obtain the 40-pound steel segment from the Port Authority after visiting New York. Sadly, 343 FDNY firefighters died that day, but to me it represents the commitment that first responders make every day to help others, even in the face of grave danger.” The museum also contains a “Flag of Honor” listing the names of those who died
Items related to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are shown at the Ocala Fire Museum on NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala on Sept. 8, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
A Sept. 12, 2001, issue of “USA Today” with coverage of the terrorist attacks. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
A Sept. 12, 2001, issue of “Long Island Newsday.” [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
on 9/11. “The horrific events in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania will be forever ingrained in our memories. I am sure you can recall exactly where you were, and what you were doing when we heard the news. In many instances 25 years can seem like a long time, but for me especially on the anniversary, all my memories come flooding back like it was yesterday,” Stoothoff wrote in an email this week. “Understandably most folks under the age of 30 have only vague knowledge of the events on Sept. 11. I believe we should share our experiences that day with the younger generation, so they may better understand how the world changed,” he said. “I still regularly attend one of the remembrance ceremonies held in Ocala. I have been to Ground Zero many times and visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. I highly recommend a visit, though be prepared and bring a handkerchief,” he wrote. When asked how he and his fellow firefighters locally coped post-9/11, he shared, “The outpouring of love from the community was very much appreciated. For months afterward the citizens of Ocala were delivering home cooked meals and dessert to the fire stations. Thousands of cards written by school children were delivered, and each one was proudly hung. When out in public, people came up to us to shake our hands and thank us for our service. These gestures were huge in my personal grief recovery.” “My co-workers coped with the death of 343 New York City firefighters by doing what we train to do; to honor their memory by continuing to provide the best service possible in helping others,” he wrote. “There is no better feeling than saving someone’s life.”
recurring challenge, but 9/11 reinforced just how important it is for us to be able to communicate and work effectively with other agencies across the public safety sector. The need for interoperability, shared information and strong relationships between agencies became even more apparent,” he said. “We have also made significant progress in recognizing the mental and emotional toll this career can take on first responders. Over the past 25 years, we have worked to make resources more accessible and to create an environment in which asking for help is viewed as a sign of strength rather than weakness,” he offered. “We have come a long way in recognizing the warning signs of deteriorating mental health and, perhaps most importantly, in breaking down the stigma that once prevented many first responders from seeking help. These are lessons that continue to shape the fire service today and remind us that taking care of our people is just as important as preparing them to take care of others.”
OCALA FIRE RESCUE CHIEF CLINT WELBORN
“I was on duty that day, in my third year as a firefighter/EMT with Ocala Fire Rescue. When the first plane hit, I was standing in the training office at fire headquarters, turning in my certifications for an upcoming promotional test. As the day unfolded, I remember being in complete shock that something like this could happen in America,” Welborn shared on Tuesday via email. “At the time, I knew we were witnessing something that would change the way we lived our lives forever. I also realized that it would have a tremendous impact on the fire service and, ultimately, on my own career. Like so many others in the fire service, Sept. 11 changed the way I looked at the job. It reinforced the responsibility we have to be prepared, to take care of one another and to understand that every shift could bring something that changes your life forever,” he wrote. There were many lessons learned from 9/11 that have helped shape the fire service into what it is today, Welborn believes. “Communication has always been a
MARION COUNTY FIRE CHIEF JAMES BANTA
“On Sept. 11, 2001, I was a paramedic/ firefighter assigned to Station 27. I was off for the first half of the shift and watched the events unfold on television from home. Like everyone else, I remember the disbelief of watching what was happening in real time, but as a firefighter, I also remember immediately thinking about the firefighters who were responding,” Banta wrote via email on Sept. 8. “Even before we knew the number of lives that had been lost, I knew FDNY had to have an enormous number of firefighters operating in and around those towers. When the buildings collapsed, I remember knowing that the fire service had suffered a tremendous loss simply because of the size of the response and the proximity of those firefighters to the towers,” he continued. “I reported for the second half of my shift and remember running calls that evening while staying glued to the radio between calls for every piece of information we could get. One of the memories that has never left me was how obvious it was that there wasn’t a single commercial airplane in the sky. The silence overhead was eerie. It was one of those small things that made you realize just how completely the world had changed in a matter of hours,” Banta shared. Banta also believes 9/11 fundamentally changed the fire service. “In the years that followed, we understood that firefighters, paramedics and other first responders were now on the front lines of the Global War on Terror. We had to prepare for threats that most local fire departments had previously never imagined confronting — anthrax and other biological agents, chemical attacks, weapons of mass destruction, bombings,
9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will host a 9/11 25th anniversary remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, at 2601 E. Fort King St. in Ocala. The event is free and open to the public. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for the community to pause, reflect and remember those who were lost, as well as the men and women who answered the call to serve in the days, months and years that followed. The observance will also recognize the continued dedication of the first responders and military heroes who work each day to protect our communities and defend our nation, the news release stated. For more information, go to marionfl.org mass shootings, secondary devices and even intentional attacks directed at first responders,” he wrote. “I became a weapons of mass destruction technician and our agency significantly expanded its training, equipment and ability to respond to those kinds of incidents. Across the fire service, 9/11 accelerated improvements in hazardous materials and WMD response, incident command, communications, interoperability and preparedness for complex attacks. The mission of the local fire department had permanently expanded,” he offered. “But perhaps one of the most important lessons of the last 25 years is that preparedness cannot only be about equipment, tactics and training. We have learned much more about the emotional injuries first responders carry with them. Firefighters are very good at taking care of other people, but historically we were not always as good at recognizing when we needed to take care of ourselves or each other,” Banta noted. “The trauma from a single catastrophic event can be enormous, but so can the cumulative effect of seeing tragedy repeatedly over a 20- or 30-year career. The fire service today has a much greater understanding of behavioral health, peer support, post-traumatic stress, suicide prevention and the importance of getting help early. We have learned that taking care of the person wearing the uniform is every bit as important as preparing that person to respond to the emergency,” he said. “Twenty-five years later, I believe ‘Never forget’ means more than remembering the FDNY, law enforcement and other first responders who died that day,” he wrote. “It means remembering why they went into those buildings when everyone else was trying to get out, learning from what happened, preparing the next generation of first responders for threats we hope they never face and making sure we take care of them physically and emotionally throughout their careers.” To learn more about the events and aftermath of Sept. 11, go to 911memorial. org Entry to the Ocala Fire Museum is free and open to the public 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. To request access, call 352-629-8306.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Local agencies to comply with state road part of FDOT’s LPR revocation order New dictate will eliminate 10 of the Ocala Police Department’s 68 license plate readers and an unknown number of those used by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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he Florida Department of Transportation has told state law enforcement agencies, including the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, to get hotly debated automated license plate reader cameras off of state highways. Neither local law enforcement agency, however, gives any indication of dropping the yet allowed use of the license plate readers on other roads. The FDOT issued an Engineering and Operations Memorandum on Aug. 31 cancelling active permits for local law enforcement to place the cameras, known as ALPRs or LPRs, along state roads, and called for removal of the cameras within 30 days Within Marion County, the list of State Highway System roadways includes SR 93 (Interstate 75), State Road 200, SR40, SR326, SR35 (Baseline Road), SR464 (Maricamp Road), SR25; SR492 (Northeast 14th Street) and SR500 (US Highway 27). The FDOT permit revocation will eliminate 10 of the Ocala Police Department’s 68 ALPRs and an unknown number of those used by the Marion County Sheriff ’s Department. “We will continue to use license plate readers at other locations within the city and remain committed to working with our state legislators to find a path forward. These tools are essential to enhancing public safety and we will strive to use them effectively where permitted,” OPD Public Information Officer Jeffrey Walczak stated in an email. “The Ocala Police Department has utilized license plate reader (LPR) technology since 2018, and it has proven to be an invaluable tool in keeping our city safe. We’ve seen tremendous success in apprehending many violent felony offenders and the evidence obtained from those quick apprehensions has proven instrumental in the successful prosecution of those cases. Over
ALPR camera was photographed near Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala on Aug. 18, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
the years, LPRs have aided in the capture of sexual predators, homicide suspects and countless individuals involved in other violent crimes,” he wrote. “One stark example of their impact was this year’s tragic double homicide of a young mother and her four-year-old child. LPRs located the offender’s vehicle on a state roadway as he attempted to flee the state. Georgia authorities were quickly notified, and the suspect was intercepted after crossing into Georgia. Although the suspect took his own life before officers could make an arrest, the rapid and effective use of LPR technology was crucial in locating him and prevented further harm to the public,” Walczak wrote. Walczak described the operation and use of the ALPRs by the OPD in an email. “The cameras are not constantly monitored. They automatically scan license plates and check them against the NCIC/FCIC (National Crime Information Center/ Florida Crime Information Center) databases for things like warrants, stolen vehicles,
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missing persons and other law enforcement records. When a match is found, officers are notified in their patrol cars. If they locate the vehicle, officers must confirm the match before taking any action. Police can also manually enter license plates to help locate vehicles in situations like AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts and other serious incidents. Access to our LPR system is restricted to trained personnel for official law enforcement purposes only. System access and usage is regularly audited by our Office of Professional Standards,” Walczak wrote. According to the FDOT memorandum, the agency also will use its discretionary authority to cease issuance of all further requests for LPR systems. “The recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” the memo stated. The move by FDOT came five days after Florida Gov.
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Ron DeSantis weighed in on the LPR issue in an Aug. 26 press conference. He called for “legislation to regulate the expansion of new automated license plate readers” which he said was “out of control,” according to a post and video of the press conference on C-SPAN. DeSantis stated he did not want Florida to turn into a “surveillance state” and referred to a police officer using ALPRs to “track his ex-girlfriend.” He also has called for an AI “Bill of Rights” for citizen protection and said he doesn’t want to be in a situation where “tech companies know everything about you.” Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano said he does not agree with the FDOT order removing the cameras from state roads but “will be following the governor’s order.” “I do not agree with the governor removing ALPRs from state roads. I think we should be looking at the system to see how we can safeguard the system from the very few bad actors. The cameras do so much good in solving crime,” Marciano stated. Ocala City Council President Ire Bethea gave a positive nod to the ALPRs in an email and indicated the systems would likely be a council agenda item. “I believe that in some aspects ALPRs are very useful. If we utilize that technology for the purpose it’s intended, our roadways and city would be safer. As of late yesterday (Sept. 1) the city of Ocala began the compliance with the state’s directive. I’m pretty sure that we (the council) will have more dialog regarding the ALPRs,” Bethea wrote. City Councilman Jim Hilty Sr. has a positive stand on the use of the cameras. “The advantages outweigh the disadvantages,” he said. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office responded to an email inquiry about the agency “stopping, suspending or modifying use of ALPR license plate reader cameras (overall) or collected data” with a one-word response: “No.” A county spokesperson confirmed that the MCSO
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is a separate constitutional office and the Board of County Commissioners “does not direct the daily operations of separate constitutional offices” and would not direct MCSO on operation of the ALPR cameras. Marion County Sheriff ’s Office Public Information Officer Lt. Paul Bloom commented in an email about a July 2026 case involving a man who allegedly abducted a young girl. The suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement in Belleview and the girl was rescued. “When a man called 911 after spotting the car, we used LPR’s to track him and pinpoint his location and coordinate a take down,” Bloom wrote in an email. According to an Aug. 31 News4Jax article online, the Jacksonville, Bradford and Clay County Sheriff ’s offices will completely discontinue use of license plate readers. Other news reports also have carried lists of municipal and other law enforcement agencies dropping use of ALPRs. Courtney Terlecki with Flock Safety, a manufacturer of the cameras, some of which are being used locally, provided the following statement: “Rather than banning a critical public safety tool, we support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe. Flock does not sell data. Agencies own and control the data collected from their cameras, which is stated in our terms and conditions.” Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union has been conducting the “Get the Flock Out” campaign, aimed at raising public awareness of what they term “mass surveillance” and tech companies “trying to profit off invading our privacy.” Its website claims that “Flock provides one of the most widely used ALPR systems, but they aren’t the only company trying to make a buck by spying on us” and lists nine other ALPR makers.
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A9
September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Sports Forest cruises past Trinity Catholic Wildcats blank Celtics to stay unbeaten. By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
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orest senior quarterback Caleb Sanford tossed three touchdown passes, senior tailback Keziyrehun Rivers added a rushing touchdown and the Wildcats’ defense forced three turnovers in a 41-0 thumping of Trinity Catholic on Sept. 4 at Mikey Kelly Stadium. Forest scored on its first possession of the game and never looked back, improving to 3-0 on the season. This is the first time the Wildcats, who sported new black uniforms, have started a season this well in more than a decade. “We looked good and the score looks good, but we have a lot of things to clean up if we want to be the football team we hope to be,” said second-year Forest coach John Brantley. who also coached at Trinity Catholic on two different occasions. “We’ve got to eliminate all these penalties and be more disciplined. The kids were psyched about wearing the black uniforms for the first time ever and they were ready to play tonight. This is a program that hasn’t had a lot of success in the last decade, but the players and coaches have bought in, and we’ve got plenty room for improvement, but we’re on the right track.” For Trinity Catholic, this was a night to forget as the Celtics tasted defeat for the first time in falling to 2-1 overall. “Forest had a good plan for us and this is a hard loss to swallow,”
said a disappointed Trinity Catholic second-year coach Clint Hart. “We will look at the film, make adjustments and get ready for our next game.” Forest scored on the second play of the game as Sanford threw a bubble screen to sophomore wide receiver Taj Graham, who followed excellent blocks and raced 61 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown. The extra point by junior Zane Waldren gave the Wildcats a quick 7-0 lead. The teams traded punts before Forest put together an eightplay, 62-yard drive with Sanford connecting with sophomore Tevin Hargrove on a 16-yard scoring strike on a perfectly placed slant pass between a pair of Trinity Catholic defenders. The point after made it 14-0 early in the second quarter. The Celtics were forced to punt from deep in their own territory by a suffocating Forest defense. A low punt was blocked and Wildcat senior defensive end Knox Boutwell recovered the ball on the Trinity Catholic 2-yard line. Forest found the end zone in two plays with senior Christian Neal bulling his way over the goal line from a yard out. The extra point gave the Wildcats a 21-0 lead. Trinity Catholic lost starting quarterback Aydan GillingsWright to injury midway through the second period and senior Uriah Williams came on to lead the Celtics on a drive that crossed midfield before the Forest defense stiffened and forced a punt.
The Wildcats tacked on another score as Rivers, who gained 89 yards on 17 carries, found paydirt from a yard out. The point after by Waldren gave Forest a commanding 28-0 lead at the half. Trinity Catholic picked up a couple of first downs on its first possession of the second half as Williams, who completed 4 of 11 passes for 28 yards, tried to rally his team despite being under constant pressure. The Celtics punted the ball away and Forest added to its lead as Sanford tossed a 38-yard touchdown pass to senior Cai-ryn Roberts. Sanford completed seven of 13 passes for 165 yards. The extra point was blocked, leaving the Wildcats ahead by a score of 34-0 with 8:37 remaining in the third quarter. Trinity Catholic had little success running the ball as sophomore Amont Cadette was the Celtics leading rusher with 21 yards gained on 10 carries. Forest substituted liberally in the final quarter and senior Cortney Brown sealed the 41-0 victory with a seven-yard scoring dash. Class 2A Trinity Catholic is back in action on Sept. 11 with a district road game at Starke Bradford County. Forest will look to keep its unbeaten record intact on Sept. 11 when the Wildcats host Matanzas in a key Class 5A-District 3 clash. In honor of 9/11, all first responders will be admitted free.
Forest’s Tevin Hargrove (1) pulls in a touchdown pass in the end zone past Trinity Catholic defenders Noah Kaylor (14) and Quincy Jones (6) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Sept. 4, 2026.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Forest’s Dzyreon Simpkins (26) tries to stop Trinity Catholic quarterback Aydan Gillings-Wright (8).
Forest’s Taj Graham (8) sprints down the sideline and eludes Trinity Catholic’s Javari Sams (7) for a touchdown early in the first quarter.
Forest’s Keziyrehun Rivers (2) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Trinity Catholic’s Marcus Hamilton (65) can’t stop him.
Trinity Catholic’s Joey Deriso (1) is stopped by a host of Forest defenders.
Forest quarterback Caleb Sanford (18) looks for an open receiver.
Forest defenders stop Trinity Catholic quarterback Aydan Gillings-Wright (8).
Forest’s Cortney Brown (4) eludes numerous Trinity Catholic defenders for a large gain.
Trinity Catholic’s head coach Clint Hart works with his players.
Forest’s Christian Neal (6) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Community
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
Continued from page A1
The City of Ocala has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy. Nonprofit representatives pose with their checks during the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County Give4Marion 2024 Check Presentation and Nonprofit Excellence Academy Graduation in Ocala on Nov. 8, 2024. This year’s campaign will run Sept. 15 and 16. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
“Give4Marion belongs to the community,” said Lauren Deiorio, CEO of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, which organizes the unique annual fundraiser. “The nonprofits, donors, businesses, volunteers and families who participate are what have turned this annual giving event into something Marion County can be proud of.” During Give4Marion, everyone has an opportunity to be a philanthropist. A resident who makes a $10 gift is part of the same community effort as a business that provides thousands of dollars for a Matching Moment. Families can explore participating nonprofits and choose a cause meaningful to them. Businesses can rally employees around a local organization and longtime donors can introduce friends to nonprofits they may have never known existed. Find. Choose. Give. It really can be that simple. Visitors to Give4Marion. org can search participating nonprofits, learn about their missions and securely make a gift. Donations do not have to be large to make a difference. When thousands of people give
together, even $10 can become part of something much bigger. Throughout the event, Matching Moments can make individual gifts go further, while Power Hours give participating nonprofits opportunities to earn additional funding. “Our nonprofits are doing this work 365 days a year,” Deiorio said. “Give4Marion provides a unique opportunity for all of us to stand behind them, celebrate their work and provide resources that help them continue changing lives.” Philanthropy isn’t defined by the size of a gift. It begins with caring about something and deciding to help. Give $10. Share a nonprofit’s story. Encourage a friend to participate. Find an organization whose mission speaks to you. On Sept. 15 and 16, our community has 33 hours to demonstrate what is possible when Marion County gives together. Support local. Give local. Change lives.
Last year’s property tax levy: A. Initially proposed tax levy…............…....$56,436,641 B. Less tax reductions due to Value Adjustment Board and other assessment changes….…..………………...……..$93,470 C. Actual property tax levy……..…………….$56,343,171 This year’s proposed tax levy……………...$60,748,987 All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the tax increase to be held on: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:01 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 110 SE Watula Ave., 2nd Floor, Ocala, Florida 34471
Visit Give4Marion.org to find your cause and make a difference.
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A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing.
BUDGET SUMMARY CITY OF OCALA - FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
THE PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF OCALA ARE 10.1% MORE THAN LAST YEAR'S TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES. Millage Per $1,000 General Fund
6.6177
CASH BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
GENERAL FUNDS
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS
FIDUCIARY FUNDS
TOTAL BUDGET
$86,888,799
$43,201,330
$100,397,136
$24,299,049
$6,005,759
$423,791,419
$684,583,492
$57,811,538 1,976,326 13,620,000 3,300,000 436,000 17,902,000 9,540,952 9,853,767 989,487 930,226 31,190,839
$0 18,019,320 0 0 0 1,878,000 2,867,937 9,859,541 5,000 26,000 4,293,924
$0 0 0 0 0 3,218,349 0 290,155,856 160,070 3,217,146 34,557,994
$0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 250,000 30,732,312 0
$0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,120 7,185,987
$0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30,283,587 0
$57,811,538 19,995,646 13,620,000 3,300,000 436,000 22,998,349 12,408,889 309,869,164 1,404,557 65,193,391 77,228,744
$147,551,135
$36,949,722
$331,309,415
$30,982,312
$7,190,107
$30,283,587
$584,266,278
$234,439,934
$80,151,052
$431,706,551
$55,281,361
$13,195,866
$454,075,006
$1,268,849,770
$28,626,823 113,104,988 200,000 11,132,927 4,481,698 16,721,252 0 $174,267,688 $60,172,246
$46,000 $8,338,686 $8,738,526 $6,848,522 $8,071,794 $85,000 $0 $32,128,528 $48,022,524
$405,000 0 343,983,960 1,837,530 0 2,609,362 0 $348,835,852 $82,870,699
$9,396 0 0 0 0 0 29,434,406 $29,443,802 $25,837,559
$7,122,873 0 0 0 0 0 0 $7,122,873 $6,072,993
$32,693,500 0 0 0 0 0 0 $32,693,500 $421,381,506
$68,903,592 121,443,674 352,922,486 19,818,979 12,553,492 19,415,614 29,434,406 $624,492,243 $644,357,527
$234,439,934
$80,151,052
$431,706,551
$55,281,361
$13,195,866
$454,075,006
$1,268,849,770
ESTIMATED REVENUES: TAXES: AD VALOREM Local Option Taxes Utility Service Tax Communication Service Tax Local Business Tax Permits, Fees, Special Assessments Intergovernmental Revenue Charges For Service Judgments, Fines, Forfeits Miscellaneous Revenues Interfund Transfers TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER FINANCING SOURCES TOTAL ESTIMATED REVENUES AND BALANCES EXPENDITURES/EXPENSES: General Government Public Safety Physical Environment Transportation Economic Environment Culture/Recreation Internal Service TOTAL EXPENDITURES Reserves TOTAL APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURES & RESERVES
THE TENTATIVE, ADOPTED, AND / OR FINAL BUDGETS ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED TAXING AUTHORITY AS A PUBLIC RECORD.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
The City of Ocala/Downtown Development Commission – District A has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy.
The City of Ocala/Downtown Development Commission – District B has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy.
Last year’s property tax levy: A. Initially proposed tax levy…...............…….$84,154 B. Less tax reductions due to Value Adjustment Board and other assessment changes……..……………….….….……..$0 C. Actual property tax levy…………….……..…$84,154
Last year’s property tax levy: A. Initially proposed tax levy….................…....$57,167 B. Less tax reductions due to Value Adjustment Board and other assessment changes……..………….…...….……$1,037 C. Actual property tax levy…………………....…$56,130
This year’s proposed tax levy…………..…….$88,062
This year’s proposed tax levy………………….$59,659
All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the tax increase to be held on:
All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the tax increase to be held on:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:01 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 110 SE Watula Ave., 2nd Floor, Ocala, Florida 34471
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:01 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 110 SE Watula Ave., 2nd Floor, Ocala, Florida 34471
A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing.
A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED TAX INCREASE
BUDGET SUMMARY CITY OF OCALA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT FUND FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
The City of Ocala/Downtown Development Commission – District C has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy. Last year’s property tax levy: A. Initially proposed tax levy….................…....$24,118 B. Less tax reductions due to Value Adjustment Board and other assessment changes……..……………….…...…….$(16) C. Actual property tax levy…………………....…$24,134 This year’s proposed tax levy…..…………….$25,587 All concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on the tax increase to be held on: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 5:01 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 110 SE Watula Ave., 2nd Floor, Ocala, Florida 34471 A FINAL DECISION on the proposed tax increase and the budget will be made at this hearing.
PROPOSED MILLAGE PER $1,000/AD VALOREM TAX REVENUE District A District B District C
1.7185 1.6332 1.4699
$83,659 $56,676 $24,308 SPECIAL REVENUE FUND
CASH BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD
$691,516
ESTIMATED REVENUES: TAXES: Ad Valorem Taxes Total Revenues and Other Financing Sources Total Estimated Revenues and Balances
$164,643 $164,643 $856,159
EXPENDITURES: Economic Environment Total Expenditures Reserves Total Appropriated Expenditures and Reserves
$201,430 $201,430 $654,729 $856,159
THE TENTATIVE, ADOPTED, AND / OR FINAL BUDGETS ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED TAXING AUTHORITY AS A PUBLIC RECORD.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
People, Places and Things Patriot’s Day in Ocala The annual event honored those lost in the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on America.
Marion County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Pamela Driggers speaks about the historic ringing of four sets of five bell rings to signify a lost firefighter during a 9/11 Patriot’s Day Memorial and Ride to the Wall event on Sept. 5, 2026, at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala, with Ocala Fire Rescue Firefighters /EMTs Andrew Bowyer and Emanuel Del Rio in background.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
One of three ceremonial wreaths that were placed during the event. From left, Bruce Gonseth, a former law enforcement officer and retired Navy veteran with American Legion Post 27; Kathy Henderson, a U.S. Army veteran with American Legion Post 27; and Jim Napoli, a retired member of the Fire Department of New York with American Legion Post 354 placed memorial wreaths honoring firefighters and members of law enforcement and the military lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
S
orrow, yet unity and joy. Those sentiments were at the forefront of a 9/11 Patriot’s Day Memorial and Ride to the Wall event that took place Sept. 25 at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala. Richard Alderman, general manager with Heirs-Baxley Funeral Services, operator of the park, said during his remarks that we should all remember the “Sept. 12 unity,” the day following the attack. “We must not forget the victims of 9/11, but we can also be joyful and thankful for the first responders who sacrificed to help others. We should remember the unity we shared on Sept. 12, 2001,” Alderman said. The 9/11 tragedy unfolded 25 years ago, on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as terrorist hijackers flew commercial aircraft into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed an airliner into the ground in Pennsylvania. According to an Aug. 31, 2026, updated cnn.com article, 19 hijackers flew four fuel loaded commercial jets and killed 2,977 people in three locations: New York (2,753 people in the World Trade Center Twin Towers), Washington, D.C. (184 people in the Pentagon) and Shanksville, Pennsylvania (40 people perished when the plane crashed in a field, following an attempted passenger takeover). “Of those who perished during the initial attacks and the subsequent collapses of the Towers, 343 were New York City firefighters, 23 were New York City police officers and 37 were officers at the Port Authority,” the article stated. The attacks, for which Osama Bin Laden claimed credit, cost an estimated $500,000 to plan and execute and caused a cost of up to $123 billion within four weeks of the attack, the article noted.
Audience members listen to speakers at the 9/11 Patriot’s Day Memorial and Ride to the Wall event.
World War II veteran Howard Mautner, 102, was an honored attendee at the event.
During the Patriot’s Day event, Ocala Fire Rescue Firefighters/ EMTs Andrew Bowyer and Emanuel Del Rio handled ringing a ceremonial bell in memory of the 9/11 fallen. Pamela Driggers, a Marion County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief and 32-year agency veteran, spoke about the history of sounding bells by fire departments to signify the loss of fellow firefighters. The sounding of four groups of five rings signified a first responder had been lost and could be heard throughout the community, even in times before electronics, Driggers explained. Three ceremonial wreaths were placed for firefighters and members of law enforcement and the military listed in the 9/11 attacks. The wreaths were placed by Jim Napoli, a retired member of the Fire Department of New York, with American Legion Post 354; Bruce Gonseth, a former law enforcement officer and retired U.S. Navy veteran, with American Legion Post 27; and Kathy Henderson, an Army veteran,
with American Legion Post 27, according to an organizer. A mock 911 dispatch call went out to the first responders lost 25 years ago during the attacks. OPD Chaplain Joe Hassler offered an invocation and benediction and referred to God’s guidance through the tragedy. Hannah Stucky sang the national anthem and “Amazing Grace.” Congressman Randy Fine sent a message through Regional Director Pratima Strong. Jeff Bairstow, a retired Ocala Police Department officer after 28 plus years of service, businessman and candidate for county commissioner, spoke of unity. “Unity should not take an attack. There’s more that unites us …,” Bairstow said. Ryan Bairstow, Jeff Bairstow’s son, attended the memorial event with his family, including his 17-month-old daughter Amelia. He recalled 1st grade activities aimed at remembering the 9/11 tragedy and said he plans to pass that type of foundation to his daughter.
Phil and Diane Rosler, both U.S. Air Force veterans, were on hand to honor the fallen. He was working as a bailiff in New York City in Sept. 11, 2001, and was on the 15th floor of a building about a quarter mile from the Twin Towers. “I heard the first plane and, as a former aircraft mechanic, I knew the sound of the engine was not right,” Phil Rosler said. He saw the impact of the second plane and rushed toward the Towers. “We knew we were under attack,” he said. He said he served as a volunteer to clear nearby housing of residents and offered help at a triage center. The Ocala Police Department, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue provided personnel and equipment to support the memorial event. OPD and OFR provided a combined honor guard and OPD members including Capt. Eric Hooper sounded taps and fired a rifle volley. Hooper provided a timeline of the 9/11 attacks. War Horse Harley-Davidson, represented by Tee Snyder, organized a group ride to Highland Memorial Park, where a 9/11 Memorial Wall listing the names of the victims of the attack was on display. MCSO
Deputy Calvin Batts escorted the riders, which included members of the Punishers, a law enforcement motorcycle club, and the Christian Motorcyclists Association “Geared Up for Christ” chapter of Leesburg. World War II veteran Howard Mautner, 102, was an honored attendee. Anne Parker, president of the Blue Star Mothers of Ocala and Veterans Helping Veterans USA board member and her husband, Gordon Parker, worked at a VHV booth during the event. Denise and Mike Sutton were among those paying tribute to those lost in the 9/11attacks. He served three tours in Vietnam, stretching from 1964 to 1970. He found the memorial event to be “beautiful. He referred to the feeling of unity following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor and Sept. 12, 2001, following the 9/11 attack, “My two favorite days,” he said. • The event included a Jeep Club of Ocala show, which was open to members and nonmembers, with these awards: • Best of Show - Kelly Hammond • Most Ducks - Carol Bolden • Best Theme - Pam Smith, Nightmare • Best Theme - Mike Karash, Groot • Most Patriotic- Ed Durand
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
SOCIAL SCENE
First Thursday reception Arts at the Canopy exhibit features the works of Morgan Raines. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Jeffrey Moore of Arts at the Canopy, right, poses with featured artist Morgan Raines, with one of Raines’ sgraffito artworks titled “Adversity Overcome” during an art reception at the collective on Northeast 8th Road in Ocala on Sept. 3, 2026. Proceeds from the reception benefited the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL).
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rts at the Canopy, the area’s newest collective, located at 1703 NE 8th Road, Ocala, hosted its grand opening events on Aug. 1 and 2. Not wasting any time in showcasing resident and guest artists, the gallery on Sept. 3 hosted its inaugural First Thursday Exhibit Reception. The free public event showcased the works of artist Morgan Raines, which include expressive imagery inspired by wildlife, nature and the beauty of everyday life, according to collective founder and resident artist Jeffrey Moore. The featured works demonstrate the art of sgraffito, a unique artistic process that creates richly textured and visually striking imagery through layered surfaces and intentional mark-making, Moore shared via email. A post on the Arts at the Canopy Facebook page noted: “We were truly humbled by the amazing turnout and especially excited to welcome so many first-time visitors to the gallery. It was wonderful to see our space filled with art lovers, conversation and community. Congratulations to Morgan on a fantastic exhibition opening! From the outstanding attendance to the great food, wine and camaraderie shared throughout the evening, it was a memorable celebration of art and connection.” Arts at The Canopy also plans to offer juried shows, seasonal installations and community events that blend art, music, food and conversation. To the rear of the property is the Makers Cottage, where classes take place. To learn more, go to artsatthecanopy.com
Morgan Raines’ sgraffito artwork “Some are Lillies.”
Featured artist Morgan Raines, right, and his wife, Kristy, with one of his sgraffito artworks titled “Paradise in Bloom.”
Vandy Shake, Sharon Vickery and Barbara Batchelder.
Jeffrey Moore and Larry Zimmerman.
Artists Jude Gonzalez and Sharon Vickery.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman / Ocala Gazette
People look over art on display.
Mia Sidhu and Jackie Comet.
Rob Reisman, Theresa Reisman and Jeffrey Moore.
Artist Jude Gonzalez with some of her artwork and jewelry.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
SPONSORED CONTENT
Unboxed Productions and Curtain Up Theatrical Group present world premiere Michael Levitan’s new play, “Threads of Memory” follows a Jewish family’s journey from persecution in Tsarist Russia to a new life in America. COMING UP FOR UP
“Threads of Memory” author Michael Levitan will perform the role of Leib in online presentations of the play from Sept. 24-27.
Isabel Lesher from Portland, Oregon, plays Leib and Rivka’s daughter, Sarah, who is a pivotal character in “Threads of Memory.”
Staff report
violence. Looking back from old age, Sarah gathers these lives into a story about the memories that bind one generation to the next. “’Threads of Memory’ is not simply a story about my family,” Levitan said in the release. “It is about the choices immigrants are forced to make — whether to stay and try to change the world they know or leave everything behind and begin again. Years later, we inherit those choices as memories. Those are the threads that connect us to people we may never have known, but without whom we would not be here.” Sarah is portrayed at two stages of her life. Isabel Lesher of Portland, Oregon, plays young Sarah as the family’s journey unfolds, while Teri Schwartz portrays the older Sarah, who looks back across the decades and guides the audience through those memories. Carita Gilmore plays Sarah’s mother, Rivka; playwright Levitan portrays her father, Leib; and Christopher Smith plays Yonkel, the young revolutionary whose life follows a radically different path. “Directing this play has helped me see that even though change is hard, sometimes it’s even a choice between life and death, but, no matter where you go, love travels with you. Love carries you, helps you adjust and
U
nboxed Productions and the South Florida-based Curtain Up Theatrical Group are teaming up to present the world premiere of “Threads of Memory,” a new play by Michael Levitan. Directed by Diana Grogg, a longtime favorite of Unboxed audiences, the production will be presented live online in four performances Sept. 24-27. “Threads of Memory” tells the story of one Jewish family’s search for freedom, opportunity and a place where they can live and worship without fear. In the early 1900s, Leib and Rivka leave their home in the Russian area known as the Pale of Settlement with their daughter, Sarah, and journey through Ellis Island to New York City. A young relative, Yonkel, remains behind, convinced that revolution can end injustice and build a better world, the news release noted. Their choices carry them into radically different lives. In America, the family confronts the immigrant experience, sweatshop labor, questions of faith and identity, and the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. In Russia, Yonkel’s idealism is transformed by revolution, power and
Teri Schwartz portrays the older Sarah, who looks back across the decades and guides the audience through those memories.
moves you forward into dreams you didn’t know you had,” Grogg stated in the release. For Unboxed Productions, the collaboration marks an important step in bringing additional playwrights into the company’s creative fold. Co-producer Kim Sandstrom described working with Levitan as “a dream experience.” “Through this deftly and deeply told story of faith, family and immigration, Michael draws us into the many worlds of ‘Threads of Memory,’ the Russian Pale of Settlement, Ellis Island and New York City,” Sandstrom said in the release. “It is a story with both historical sweep and an intimate human heart.” Levitan and Sandstrom met online following the success of Sandstrom’s original play “Almost All About Eva.” Sandstrom later invited Levitan to attend Unboxed Productions’ online presentation of “The Admirable Crichton,” directed by Bruce Seaman. Impressed by the dedication of the actors, director and technical team, Levitan approached the company about producing “Threads of Memory.” After reading the script, the Unboxed Productions advisory board encouraged co-producers Sandstrom and Seaman to move
Bruce Seaman is in the role of sweatshop supervisor for the online production.
forward with the project. Jan Thomas, co-founder of Unboxed Productions, also supported the production and continues to assist behind the scenes. Remote technical director Ty Nunez completes the production team. Levitan hopes the online world premiere will become a starting point for a wider life for “Threads of Memory,” including future productions by theaters, festivals, synagogues, churches and other organizations interested in stories of immigration, faith, family and identity. The online performances will take place: • Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time • Sept. 25, 3 p.m. EST; noon PST • Sept. 26, 8 p.m. EST; 5 p.m. PST • Sept. 27, 4 p.m. EST; 1 p.m. PST Performances are presented live online. The suggested ticket donation is $15, with access available for a minimum donation of $5. To obtain a link for “Threads of Memory,” go to unboxedproductions.org To learn more, call (352) 875-5484 or email klynettesandstrom@gmail.com and curtainop@gmx.com
The Unboxed Productions live online theater format brings performers and audiences together across geographic boundaries while preserving the immediacy of live theater. Upcoming presentations include: • Late October/November – “Unboxing in Biloxi,” by K. Handgen (one-night professional reading) • Jan. 16, 2027 - Seventh Annual Variety Show/ Cabaret Fundraiser, directed by Dana Kisor — performers interested in the event may contact director Kisor at dana@ firstfarminn.com • Late March 2027 – “Craig’s Wife” • Late May 2027 – “The Bad Man” • Late July 2027 – “Hobson’s Choice” • Late September 2027 – “Little Women” • Special event - “Almost All About Eva,” previously selected for Oregon’s Fertile Ground Festival, will be presented by the Goshen Theater in Goshen, Indiana, in March 2027. A Marion County fundraising event supporting the Indiana production is planned for February 2027. Details will be made available at a later date.
Photos courtesy Unboxed Productions
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Travel Road tested: Family travel adventures in the USA Colorado’s wildly different national parks - Part 1
Fable Biondini in Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park. In May and June, the creek flow surges, thanks to snowmelt from the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is the highlight of a visit to the park.
Photos courtesy Biondini family The West and East Mitten Buttes, or simply The Mittens, in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The giant hand-shaped stone formations rise nearly 1,000 feet above the desert floor.
The San Juan River runs through downtown Pagosa Springs, CO. Visitors can pay to soak at one of three resorts or check out the free Hippe Dip spring on the other side of the river.
Mesa Verde National Park gets its name from the Spanish words for “green table,” inspired by the area’s flat-topped, high-elevation plateaus covered in dense green trees and shrubs.
By Staci Biondini Special to the ‘Ocala Gazette’
W
hen you think of Colorado, the Rocky Mountains are probably the first thing that comes to mind. If so, you’re not alone. Rocky Mountain National Park sees more than 4 million visitors each year, making it the country’s sixth most visited national park. With abundant wildlife, dramatic glacial landscapes and more than 60 mountains rising above 12,000 feet, it’s easy to understand the appeal. But Colorado is home to three other national parks that are every bit as impressive—and considerably less crowded. And that offers something this traveling family particularly enjoys: room to breathe. Mesa Verde, the 43rd most visited national park; Great Sand Dunes, the 44th; and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the 53rd, likely rank lower simply because they require a little more effort to reach. But in 2024, I created an itinerary that made visiting all four of Colorado’s national parks surprisingly easy on a 12-day vacation. And the best part? It started with the parks most people skip. Admittedly, when we set out for Colorado, our ultimate goal was Rocky Mountain National Park—and, more specifically, Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved highway in North America. The road is buried in snow and closed for much of the year, generally opening in May and closing again in December. Most visitors approach Rocky Mountain from the east, entering through the resort town of Estes Park. During the busy season, that can mean long lines, heavy traffic and plenty of time spent staring at the bumper in front of you rather than the mountains.
Durango, Colorado’s historic downtown is filled with charming Victorian-era buildings, unique shops, restaurants and art galleries. Stop for lunch at a local cafe or grab a craft beer at one of the many microbreweries in the area.
But there is another way in. Approaching the park from the west through Grand Lake provides a much smoother, less congested experience. So, rather than beginning our Colorado adventure in the state’s most famous national park, I designed a route that would take us south from Denver to Great Sand Dunes, west to Mesa Verde, north to Black Canyon of the Gunnison and finally east to Rocky Mountain. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip. We started with one day in Denver, giving our bodies a chance to adjust to the altitude. Going from 69 feet above sea level in Ocala to 5,280 feet in the Mile High City can leave you feeling dizzy, nauseated or just generally miserable if you don’t take it easy. So, we did what any responsible travelers would do: we hydrated, slowed down and explored Union Station and Larimer Square while taking full advantage of Denver’s food scene. The next morning, we headed south. From Denver, it’s about three and a half hours to Alamosa, the gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park. Rather than make the drive straight through, we broke it up with a stop at Pikes Peak, riding the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway—the highest cog railway in the world. Along the way, we spotted a marmot, also known as a “whistle pig,” and learned that this chunky little mountain resident is a cousin of the beloved prairie dogs we had encountered on our trip through the Dakotas. We also learned that the opening lines of what would eventually become “America the Beautiful” first came to Katharine Lee Bates as she stood atop Pikes Peak. Looking out over the mountains, it’s not hard to understand why.
Tip 1: The summit of Pikes Peak is typically 30 to 40 degrees colder than the base in Manitou Springs. Even in the summer, bring a coat or money to buy a sweatshirt at the summit gift shop — they sell a ton of them. And if a train ride to the summit isn’t your bag, you could stop at nearby Garden of the Gods. If I’m being completely honest, Great Sand Dunes was originally just a box we planned to check on our national parks list. Instead, it became one of the unexpected highlights of the entire trip. Our first night in the San Luis Valley, we ate a simple salad dinner on the deck of our Airbnb. It wasn’t exactly fine dining, but we didn’t need a five-star restaurant. Along the horizon, the sharp peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rose dramatically from the valley floor, turning shades of pink as the sun slipped toward the horizon. A cool breeze made the leaves of quaking aspens and cottonwoods flutter, catching the sun to look like sparkling glitter. Then the sky darkened. As the last traces of daylight disappeared, an astonishing canopy of stars emerged overhead. With virtually nothing competing with the darkness of the valley, the night sky seemed almost impossibly clear. It felt like Heaven on Earth.
Tip 2: When trip planning, I spend the most time scouring VRBO and Airbnb for rentals that meet all of our families needs. You can bookmark rentals that fit the bill and then when you have fine-tuned your itinerary and have dates set in stone, you are ready to make the reservation. The following day, we headed into Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. We climbed dunes, slid down them, played in Medano Creek and explored nearby Zapata
Falls. In late May to mid-June, Medano Creek is arguably the star of this national park. During years with heavy winter snowfall, the spring snowmelt creates a surge flow in the creek, producing waves strong enough for children to float short distances on inflatable toys. Watching families play in the water with enormous sand dunes towering behind them is one of those scenes that makes you stop and think, “Where else does this exist?” From Alamosa, it’s about four hours to Mesa Verde National Park. You could easily make the drive in a single stretch, but there are too many worthwhile stops along the way to rush it. The landscape changes almost immediately as you leave the highaltitude desert behind and climb through mountain passes toward Pagosa Springs. This little mountain town sits above the world’s deepest hot spring aquifer. Several resorts offer visitors the opportunity to soak in the warm mineral water, but since we were simply passing through, we opted for something a little more unconventional: Hippy Dippy Hot Springs, a free public spring along the San Juan River. From Pagosa Springs, it’s an easy 80-minute drive to Durango, winding through southwest Colorado’s foothills, rivers and mountain valleys. With its beautifully preserved Old West Victorian downtown, Durango feels almost like a movie set. In fact, it practically is one. The former silver-mining town, established in 1880, has earned the nickname “Hollywood of the Rockies” and has served as the backdrop for nearly 30 movies, including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and “City Slickers.” We spent our time wandering downtown, shopping and, most importantly, savoring homemade ice cream. Many visitors come to Durango specifically for the famous Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Since we already planned to drive to Silverton ourselves a few days later, we skipped the train and kept exploring at our own pace.
Tip 3: If your itinerary includes a one-
night hotel stay, this is a great time to pay with points. For this trip, we used World of Hyatt points to pay for five nights at hotels. This credit card is widely considered to provide the most valuable points available. We extend our savings by eating the free hotel breakfast and grab fresh fruit, dry cereal and yogurt for snacks later. From Durango, it’s less than an hour to Cortez, our home for the next few days, and just 40 minutes to Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in the country. If you do only one thing here, make it the Cliff Palace Tour. Cliff Palace is the largest known cliff dwelling in North America. Built between 1190 and 1280 AD, it was once home to more than 100 people. Today, it remains an astonishing testament to the engineering, ingenuity and artistic achievements of the ancestral Pueblo people. Book the tour well in advance. Seriously. We have now visited just over one-third of America’s 63 national parks and this in-park experience remains my favorite of everything we have done. The 45-minute tour requires climbing four ladders and navigating more than 100 feet of elevation change. I was particularly apprehensive about my husband, who was in need of a knee replacement at the time, but he handled the climb without a problem. Standing inside the cliff dwelling, surrounded by enormous sandstone walls and imagining what life must have been like here centuries ago, was an experience unlike anything else we had encountered in a national park. It’s also important to know that Cliff Palace is only open from May through October. Once inside the park, it can take an hour to an hour and a half to reach the various cliff dwellings, so plan accordingly. Balcony House, which we did not tour, is even more adventurous, involving several tall ladders attached to the face of a cliff and a narrow tunnel that requires visitors to See Travel, page B5
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
SPONSORED CONTENT
Sound solutions
JOHNSON’S HEARING CENTERS THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN OCALA, INVERNESS AND HOMOSASSA (855) 354-4327 JOHNSONSHEARING.COM
The health benefits of hearing aids. By staff report In a recent “Gazette” article, professionals with Johnson’s Hearing Centers talked about hearing loss — the silent, oftenoverlooked condition that affects millions of people. This time, we’re looking at the other side of the story: what happens once someone decides to do something about it. “Hearing aids aren’t just devices that make things louder,” said Dr. Lindsey Kummerer, AuD, CCC-A, of Johnson’s Hearing Centers. “They’re tools for better health, better relationships and a better quality of life.” Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues facing older adults and it can develop gradually or appear suddenly, from a wide range of causes. But whatever brought it on, the research on treating it points in one clear direction: hearing aids help — and in more ways than people expect.
SHARPER CONVERSATIONS, LESS STRAIN
The most obvious benefit is clearer communication — at home, at work, in the doctor’s
office, at a noisy restaurant table. But modern hearing aids don’t simply turn up the volume on everything. “They’re programmed specifically to amplify the pitches and sounds a person actually struggles with,” Dr. Kummerer explains. That targeted approach doesn’t just make speech easier to follow — it also cuts down on the mental fatigue that comes from straining to listen all day.
A LINK TO BRAIN HEALTH
Perhaps the most striking benefit is one many people don’t associate with hearing aids at all: cognitive health. Researchers have identified untreated hearing loss as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A major three-year clinical trial published in 2023 found that consistent hearing healthcare and hearing aid use slowed the typical rate of cognitive decline in older adults who had other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or lower educational attainment (Lin et al., 2023, The Lancet). “There’s no downside to
At Johnson’s Hearing Centers, care is built around where each patient is along their hearing health journey, with an emphasis on personalized, patient-centered treatment. Stock image
treating hearing loss,” Dr. Kummerer noted. “Routine hearing care is simply a good idea for older adults.”
EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL PAYOFFS
Beyond the ears and the brain, hearing aids show up in people’s emotional lives, too. Patients often report feeling less lonely, more engaged in conversation and less embarrassed about constantly asking others to repeat themselves — all of which supports better mental health. There are physical benefits as well. Because hearing loss reduces awareness of environmental sounds, it’s been linked to a higher risk of falls and accidents. Hearing aids help people stay tuned into their surroundings and some models
even include fall-detection technology that can alert loved ones if help is needed. Safety and work performance round out the list. Hearing sirens, alarms and warning signals matters for personal safety, and clearer communication with colleagues and clients can open the door to better job performance and career growth.
WHY TIMING MATTERS
One point Dr. Kummerer emphasizes: earlier is better. Waiting too long to address hearing loss can lead to auditory deprivation, a process in which the brain’s ability to process sound gradually diminishes from lack of use. “The first step is simple,” she offered. “Reach out, schedule a hearing test and find out where you stand.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, contact Johnson’s Hearing Centers at 855-354-HEAR or visit johnsonshearing.com To read the previously published article, go to Johnson’s Hearing Centers comes to Ocala | Ocala Gazette Sources: Lin, F. R.; Pike, J. R.; Albert, M. S.; Arnold, M.; Burgard, S.; Chisolm, T.; Couper, D.; Deal, J. A.; Goman, A. M.; Glynn, N. W.; Gmelin, T.; Gravens-Mueller, L.; Hayden, K. M.; Huang, A. R.; Knopman, D.; Mitchell, C. M.; Mosley, T.; Pankow, J. S.; Reed, N. S.; Sanchez, V.; … ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group (2023). Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet (London, England), 402(10404), 786–797. https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(23)01406-X.
Travel Continued from page B4 squeeze through on their hands and knees. You could easily spend several days exploring Mesa Verde. We stayed in an exceptionally well-appointed Airbnb in Cortez that remains one of our favorites to this day. Having a chef’s kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep, laundry facilities and somewhere to relax and recharge is a true luxury on an action-packed vacation. And then there was the view. One evening, we were treated to a spectacular sunset over a nearby lake on one side of the house and a double rainbow on the other, with Mesa Verde visible in the distance. It was one of those moments when you realize the place you chose to sleep can become part of the adventure itself. Cortez is only about 40 minutes from the Four Corners area, so we decided to spend one day leaving Colorado behind and visiting small portions of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The Four Corners Monument marks the only place in the United States where four states meet at a single, precise point. I participate in several travel groups on Facebook, and the merits
The Biondini family at Four Corners National Monument; the only place in the United States where you can stand in four states at the same time.
Sun setting at Totten Lake, the family’s Airbnb in Cortez.
of this particular attraction always seem to be up for debate. But for our family of four, on a mission to visit all 50 states before our children graduate, it was exactly the kind of quirky roadside attraction we love. A flat granite and brass disk marks the precise point where the four states meet, surrounded by the flags and seals of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The site isn’t a federal national monument; it is a tribal park managed by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. Local artisans and vendors set up around the monument plaza, selling traditional Navajo foods, handmade silver jewelry and crafts. We spent less than an hour there, but we had fun—and we would absolutely visit again. From Four Corners, our route
continued toward Monument Valley on the Utah-Arizona border. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular along the way. You can also make a fascinating stop in Kayenta, Arizona, where a Burger King houses what has been called “the world’s best exhibit” on the Navajo Code Talkers. The exhibit tells the story of the Navajo men whose language was used to create an unbreakable military code during World War II, including their critical role in the Battle of Iwo Jima. And then there is Monument Valley. The enormous red sandstone buttes and mesas are instantly recognizable. They have appeared in countless movies and photographs, and while film does a good job of capturing their vivid colors, it can’t
Angelo, Fable and Meadow Biondini at Great Sand Dunes National Park. You must cross a half mile of the Medano Creek bed then zigzag along ridgelines to hike. There are no trails in the dune field.
quite convey the scale of the place. The landscape stretches toward the horizon in every direction, with towering red rock formations rising from an otherwise enormous expanse of desert. When we visited, however, rain had made the dirt roads too muddy for us to drive the 17-mile loop that winds among the formations. We had to settle for viewing the valley from a distance. Even so, it was spectacular.
Tip 4: Rent a high-clearance vehicle for this road trip. We had a four-door Jeep Wrangler and it helped us get through a lot of questionable dirt roads. Not far into Utah, we stopped at Forrest Gump Point along Highway 163, the famous stretch of road where Forrest finally decides to stop running during his cross-country journey.
Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park contains roughly 150 rooms and housed about 100 people. It was likely abandoned between 1280 and 1300 AD, likely due to severe regional drought.
For our family, this wasn’t just another photo opportunity. My grandmother saw “Forrest Gump” 17 times in the theater. She even took her own Forrest Gump road trip in the late 1990s and has a collection of movie memorabilia, including items Tom Hanks autographed just for her. So, standing in that exact spot, with the enormous western landscape stretching out behind us, felt like a particularly special connection between our family’s past and our own travels. From there, our route continued through some of southern Utah’s most iconic landscapes: Valley of the Gods, Mexican Hat and Bears Ears National Monument. This part of the country is, quite simply, a visual feast. And we were only halfway through our Colorado adventure.
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
RICK STEVES' EUROPE
Europe's crazy rich royals and their lavish retreats
J
ust like today, the royal families of the past were fond of their countryside getaways. These lavish estates provided an escape from the city and the summer heat, a place for diversions like hunting and horseback riding, and enough land to build grand showpiece palaces and gardens. While Europe has many royal retreats you can visit, a few are remarkable for their sheer size, over-the-top opulence, and the largerthan-life personalities who built them. The granddaddy of European palaces is Versailles – King Louis XIV’s 17thcentury escape from Paris. Louis was the embodiment of the notion that some people were born to be rulers – and everyone else just needed to follow the rules. As a "divine monarch," he had to impress upon his people that God had really ordained him to rule without question. And in order to do that, he needed an ultra-fancy house. Louis spent freely from the public treasury to turn his dad’s hunting lodge into a palace fit for the gods (among whom he counted himself ). The main palace boasts rooms lavishly decorated with painted ceilings, heavily ornamented furniture, and impressive art (even the Mona Lisa once hung here). Most striking is the Hall of Mirrors, lined with 17 arched mirrors. Back then, mirrors were a great luxury, and the number and size of these
were – and still are – astounding. Louis also built the ultimate garden – elaborately planned, pruned, and decorated, showing everyone that he could control nature like a god. The 1,500 fountains were a marvel of art and engineering. And they were symbolic. The Apollo Fountain shows the "Sun King" (Apollo...or is it Louis?) in his chariot as he starts his journey across the sky, with his entourage of dolphins leading the way. For 100 years, Versailles was the ultimate palace in Europe – sparking the construction of many wannabes. In Russia, the Romanovs’ answer to Versailles was the Catherine Palace, just outside of St. Petersburg. In 1717, Czar Peter the Great and his wife, Catherine I, started construction on a modest two-story abode. When their daughter, Czarina Elizabeth, took over, she hired a famous Italian architect to rebuild the palace in a grand Baroque style that, in Russia, became known as "Elizabethan." A textbook example of this style is the 9,000-square-foot Great Hall, boasting 300 mirrors (inspired by Versailles’ similar décor) and lit by up to 7,000 candles. Even more magnificent is the Amber Room. This jewel box of a room is slathered with six tons of amber mosaic – originally a gift from King Frederick William I of Prussia to his ally Peter the Great – which Elizabeth moved to the palace and
King Ludwig II's fantastical Neuschwanstein Castle is the epitome of 19th-century Romanticism. CREDIT: Rick Steves.
expanded. More than a century later, Bavaria’s “Mad” King Ludwig II also needed a countryside escape. Rather than deal with politics in Munich, Ludwig preferred spending time at his family’s hunting palace, Hohenschwangau. While living there, he dedicated himself – like a kid building a tree house – to the construction of his dream castle on a neighboring hill. Built from 1869 to 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle was the epitome of 19th-century Romanticism. It's wallpapered with misty medieval themes, many from the operas of Ludwig’s friend, Richard Wagner. The extravagant throne room, with an exquisite mosaic floor depicting a visual encyclopedia of animals and plants, was modeled in a Neo-Byzantine style to emphasize his royal status. And he slept in an elaborately carved canopy bed with a forest of Gothic church spires on top. Unfortunately, it all only lasted 172 days. Soon after he moved in, a panel of doctors declared Ludwig insane, he lost his throne, and was found dead in a lake. Just before Ludwig built the castle
of his dreams, his distant cousin, King Ferdinand II of Portugal, built a romantic hilltop palace of his own: the Pena Palace. Located in Sintra ( just outside Lisbon), this elaborate retreat is architecturally interesting thanks to its mix of German Romanticism and Portuguese styles. Flamboyant Ferdinand converted a 16th-century Manueline monastery into a 19th-century palace. The result is a crazy, colorful, Neo-fortified casserole of Gothic towers, Renaissance domes, Moorish minarets, Manueline carvings, and Disneyland playfulness. The palace was occupied by royals until 1910, when they were ousted in a popular revolt. The elegantly cluttered rooms are still arranged as they were back then, giving this place an intimacy rarely seen in palaces. Today these homes of crazy rich royals are open to the masses – and the masses indeed come. (To save time and avoid long lines, reserve ahead when you anticipate crowds.) But even if you have to jostle your way through those crowds, visiting these over-the-top retreats provides insight into the dynamic, often quirky monarchs who once ruled Europe.
Public Notice
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Public Notice
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Public Notice
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF ROGER WILLIAM STARKEY, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2026-CP-2004 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of ROGER WILLIAM STARKEY, deceased, whose date of death was March 29, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is September 4, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representative, Caleb V. Smith, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470 FL Bar No.: 1008368, Tel: 352-732-8030 cs@FlagOcala.com Personal Representative, June Claire Starkey 900 NE 140th St., Citra, FL 32113
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAUL C. BROOKS, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-1650 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: February 4, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 4, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF ARTHUR THOMAS ZAPPA, DECEASED, CASE NO.: 2026-CP-1610 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Arthur Thomas Zappa, deceased, whose date of death was June 10, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is September 4, 2026 Attorney for Personal Representative Stanley W. Plappert, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 FL Bar No.: 76603 Tel: 352-732-8030 Fax: 888-399-3129 swp@FlagOcala.com Personal Representative, Angela Jeter 9169 SE 48th Court Road Ocala, FL 34480
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES MARVIN HURST, DECEASED, CASE NO.: 2026CP-1593 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of James Marvin Hurst, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is Sept. 11, 2026 Attorney for Personal Representative Stanley W. Plappert, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 Florida Bar No.: 76603 Tel: 352-732-8030 Fax: 888-399-3129 swp@FlagOcala.com Brandy Currie, Personal Representative 17398 SE 58th Avenue Summerfield, FL
NOTICE OF MEETING DATES UPLANDS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT Fiscal Year 2026
NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to register and conduct business under the fictitious name: CHRISTINE & CO. BEAUTY STAR ACADEMY Principal place of business: 7655 SE 126th Place, Unit 1 Belleview, Florida 34420 Marion County, Florida The name and address of the registrant/ owner is: CHRISTINE & CO., HAIR SALON, LLC 7655 SE 126th Place, Unit 1 Belleview, Florida 34420 This notice is published pursuant to §865.09, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 50, Florida Statutes, regarding publication of legal notices. Publication: Once For newspaper publication - Florida fictitious name notice
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC First Add Run 09/04/2026 Florida Bar No. 119304 Second Add Run 09/11/2026 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Extra Space Storage will hold a public (352) 369-1300 auction to sell personal property described Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 4620 SW College RD Ocala, Fl 34474 on Personal Representative: CHRISTIAAN BROOKS September 22 nd , 2026, at 12:00pm 8275 Commerce Way, Apt 3212 Ariadne Santos- Boxes, Household stuff Nichelle Collins- Household furniture, Miami Lakes, FL 33016 Miscellaneous stuff This auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com . Purchase must be made cash only and paid at the above referenced facility to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bid der takes possession of the personal property.
The Board of Supervisors of the Uplands Stewardship District will hold their regularly scheduled public meetings for the Fiscal Year 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Circle Square Commons, Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 on the third Tuesday of the month as follows: September 15, 2026
The meetings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida Law for Community Development Districts. A copy of the agenda for a particular meeting may be obtained from the District Manager, at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801, by calling (407) 841-5524, during normal NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business business hours.
under the fictitious name of Little Hill Organizing Co. located at 13550 SW Hwy 200, in the City of Dunnellon, County of Marion, State of Florida, 34432, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Dunnellon, Florida, this 3 day of special September, 2026. meetings Name of Owner: Brynne Lancaster
A meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at that meeting. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors will participate by telephone.
Any person requiring accommodations at these because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (407) 841-5524 at least fortyeight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that AMANDA ELIZABETH LAVERY will engage in business under the fictitious name LAVERYS NEW YORK STYLE HOT DOGS, with a physical address 3728 N US HWY 441 Ocala , FL 34475, with a mailing address 59 NE 172nd Ave Silver Springs, FL 34488, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Each person who decides to appeal any action taken at these meetings is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the unevidence upon which such appeal is to be dersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Keyrenter Ocbased.
ala, located at 603 E. Fort King St., Unit 55, in the County of Marion, in the City of George S. Flint Ocala, Florida 34471, intends to register Governmental Management Services – the said name with the Division of CorpoCentral Florida, LLC rations of the Florida Department of State, District Manager Tallahassee, Florida.
Public Notice Ad Run 9/4/26 & 9/11/26 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2426 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, FL 34471 on September 22, 2026, at 12:00PM. Tiwana Sheffield-mattress, bed frame, personal items. Kirstin Drucker- bike, clothes, personal items, Stephen Samuel Cross- bike, personal items, Krystal Yovino- Bunk beds, sewing equipment, personal items. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com . Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
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B7
September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Prolonged dry conditions in SJRWMD Below-average rainfall impacts water resources across portions of district, including Marion County. Staff report
M
uch of the St. Johns River Water Management District has now experienced approximately one year of below-average rainfall, highlighting how drought conditions develop gradually and why water resource recovery can take much longer than several rainfall events. While recent rainfall has improved conditions in some locations, prolonged dry conditions continue to affect groundwater levels, rivers, lakes and wetlands throughout portions of the region, including Marion County. Groundwater levels in some areas began declining in fall 2025 following a shift to below-normal rainfall patterns and those deficits accumulated month after month, leading to current drought conditions, the district news release noted. Florida’s rainy season plays a critical role in replenishing water resources, but drought recovery depends on more than rainfall totals alone. Water must move through the hydrologic system before it can help replenish groundwater supplies and other water resources affected by long-term dry conditions. When rain falls, some is absorbed by dry soils, some is used by vegetation and some is lost through evaporation. Only a portion reaches groundwater aquifers. As a result, recovering from a prolonged drought typically requires substantially more rainfall than the measured rainfall deficit alone, the release stated. As of Aug. 31, portions of the Ocklawaha River Basin continue to experience some of the largest 12-month rainfall deficits within the district: • Alachua County: 14.57-inch rainfall deficit • Lake County: 10.32-inch rainfall deficit • Marion County: 14.88-inch rainfall deficit Although these deficits represent the departure from the normal amount of
rainfall counties receive in a 12-month period, typically the amount of rainfall needed to fully recover from drought conditions is quite a bit more. District hydrologists estimate that approximately three feet of rainfall may be needed across portions of the affected areas over the next three months to fully restore groundwater levels, replenish surface waters and recover from the impacts of the drought, according to the release. The District’s Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration remains in effect within affected areas as staff continue
NO DAY BUT TODAY.
RATED PG-13
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Musical Arrangements Steve Skinner
Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Billy Aronson
Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements Tim Weil
Dramaturg Lynn Thomson
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. • www.mtishows.com
September 3-20 TICKETS: $35-$40 for adults $17-20 for ages 18 & younger
Supported in part by a grant from:
COMMUNITY PARTNER The Marion Mosaic 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 • thecivic.org
monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels, spring flows and other drought indicators. Mandatory restrictions remain in place, including: • Residential and commercial properties are limited to one day per week of landscape irrigation. • Landscape irrigation is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. • Commercial and industrial users must suspend certain non-essential water uses. • Golf course fairway irrigation is limited to one day per week.
• Aesthetic water use, such as decorative fountains, is prohibited. • Street and pressure washing activities face additional restrictions. • Irrigation restrictions for new plantings, including sod, have been tightened. District staff will continue evaluating hydrologic conditions and determining when water shortage restrictions can be modified or removed. Until then, conservation remains a key tool for supporting water resource recovery throughout the region. Outdoor irrigation continues to be one of the largest uses of potable water. Residents are encouraged to check that irrigation timers are set correctly to ensure that irrigation occurs only on their designated watering day and only during allowable hours. Irrigation systems should also be checked for leaks, and sprinklers should only water landscaped areas, not streets, sidewalks or driveways. Residents may see irrigation systems operating in public spaces such as parks, medians and common areas during the water shortage. In many cases, these systems use reclaimed water, which is a highly treated recycled water source that helps reduce demand on potable groundwater supplies. While conservation remains important across all water sources, some reclaimed water systems must continue operating to maintain system function or manage storage capacity. To view the complete water shortage order, visit sjrwmd.com/ wateringrestrictions To learn more about reclaimed water, visit floridadep.gov/water/domesticwastewater/content/floridas-reuseprogram To view current rainfall deficit information across the district, visit sjrwmd.com/newsroom/medialibrary
B8
September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
Government SEPT. 14, 21 AND 28
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.
SEPT. 15
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 The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendasminutes
SEPT. 22
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
OCT. 14
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 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
Community SEPT. 11
businesses. It features handmade goods, art and crafts, food trucks, live music and more in a family-friendly setting. Learn more at ocalamainstreet.org
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E Fort King St. Ocala 8:30am To honor the lives lost, recognize the selfless sacrifices of first responders and military heroes and come together as a community in solemn reflection and unity. Hosted by Marion County. Learn more at marionfl.org
SEPT. 17
September 11 25th anniversary event
SEPT. 12
Fall craft fair
Christ the King Anglican Church, 4440 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala 9am-3pm The Anglican Church Women event will include handmade crafts from local artists, food and more, with proceeds to benefit ACW charities. To learn more, call (352) 351-9727.
Ocala Recovery Festival
Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-3pm This free community event brings together local organizations, recovery resources, families and community partners to celebrate recovery, remember those we have lost and inspire our community to take action. Hosted by the Marion County Children’s Alliance and Community Council Against Substance Abuse in partnership with the Marion County Hospital District. Learn more at /mcchildrensalliance. networkforgood.com/events/102536-9thannual-ocala-recovery-festival
SEPT, 13
2nd Sunday Makers Market
Heart of the Park, 516 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-2pm The community-driven monthly market celebrates local makers, artists and small
Ocala/Marion County Braver Angels Alliance
Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 5:15pm Braver Angels is a national organization with a mission to strengthen democracy through civil discourse. To learn more, go to braverangels. org or email dhoswald@gmail.com
SEPT. 18
POW/MIA Recognition Day
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala 8:30am Marion County will honor the courage, sacrifice and service of America’s prisoners of war and those missing in action. This year’s program, “Voices of Captivity,” presented by Marion County Veterans Services, will feature poetry written by prisoners of war and brought to life through readings by members of the Marion County Public Library System. Music will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m., provided by Drumming for Veterans. For additional information, 352-671-8422.
SEPT. 19
160th Anniversary Inaugural Homecoming
Howard Academy Community Center, 306 N.W. 7th Ave., Ocala 9am-3pm The founding of Howard Academy, Ocala’s first African American school, will be marked with a daylong celebration that includes breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.,
Arts
SEPT. 12
Super Pickle: A Hilarious Pickleball Musical Parody
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Get ready to serve up the laughs with a wildly entertaining new comedy that dives paddle-first into the pickleball craze sweeping the nation. A laughout-loud comedy with clever pop song parodies and big characters, it pits seasoned players against eager newbies in a hilarious battle of skill and sass. Think Weird Al meets Wimbledon, with paddles and polyester. From court rivalries to community chaos, this high-energy musical serves up fast volleys, big laughs and a whole lot of heart. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
SEPT. 13
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band
Marion County Public Schools Auditorium, 1614 E Fort King St., Ocala 3pm The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band’s free concert will offer a split theme. The first half of the program will feature celebration of America’s historic 250th anniversary. The band will then flip the script for the second half, transporting the audience through time with a high-energy tribute to the iconic popular music of the 1960s and 1970s. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, visit kingdomofthesunband.org
SEPT. 19
WindFM Rocks the Reilly: Completely Unchained – A Van Halen Tribute Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm With explosive energy, killer solos and all the outrageous fun you remember, Completely Unchained perfectly captures the spirit of one of hard rock’s most legendary bands. Get tickets at reillyartcenter.com
SEPT. 20
Music Box 2: All in the Family Stewart Kitts
SEPT. 24-27
“Threads of Memory” online production
Times vary Unboxed Productions and the South Floridabased Curtain Up Theatrical Group are teaming up to present the world premiere of “Threads of Memory,” a new play by Michael Levitan. The online performances will take place: Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time; Sept. 25, 3 p.m. EST; noon PST; Sept. 26, 8 p.m. EST; 5 p.m. PST; and Sept. 27, 4 p.m. EST; 1 p.m. PST. To obtain a link, go to unboxedproductions.org
THROUGH DEC. 3 AND BEYOND
Art in City Spaces
City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division art exhibitions include: • Landscapes by Nancy Bowden, on display until Dec. 2 at the Clerk’s Office inside City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. • “Stillness in Motion,” by Gwen Morrison, on display until Dec. 3 at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. • “Through the Looking Glass,” by Linda Bourassa, on display until Dec. 16 at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave. • “Creative Voices,” by Arts in Health Ocala Metro, on display until Dec. 17 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave. • “Waterscapes” by Marjorie Dodrill, on display until Dec. 22 at the Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave. All exhibitions are free and open to the public during each facility’s regular business hours. For more information, go to ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces
THROUGH DEC. 31
Photography exhibit by Keith Sackin
Arts in Health Ocala Metro Healing Arts Gallery, 2880 NE 8th Road, Ocala. Office hours A native of Ocala, Sackin attended Emory University before a spinal cord injury in 2001 reshaped his path. His photography explores disability, embodiment, memory and human connection. AIHOM is a nonprofit organization that connects art and healing. Its programs include music, dance, performing and visual arts. To learn more, go to aihocala.org
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 3pm Concertmaster Stewart Kitts leads a joyful celebration of musical family, joined by his daughters and siblings—many of whom regularly perform with the “Life, Labor and Lens: Randal Ocala Symphony. Featuring beloved works by Bach Levenson’s Working-Class America” and Vivaldi alongside special surprises, this program Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., highlights the deep musical bonds formed through shared history and lifelong collaboration. Learn more Ocala Times vary at reillyartscenter.com Drawn from the 80 works by Levenson in the Appleton’s permanent collection, “Life, Labor and Lens” features 25 black-and-white and color photographs that evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. For more information, go to appletonmuseum.org or call (352) 291-4455.
THROUGH JAN. 24
tours of the Marion County Black History Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and other activities throughout the day. For additional information, call 352-671-4175.
SEPT. 26
TEDxOcala: “Rhythm & Intersections” Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 10am-4pm The 12th annual event will feature 14 speakers addressing this year’s theme. For tickets and additional information, visit tedxocala.com
THROUGH SEPT. 29
“Treehouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees”
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-4pm Guests can roam from tree to tree and explore habitats trees provide for animals, search for signs left by raccoons, woodpeckers, bears and other species, cross a suspension bridge and climb through two treehouses, become animal trackers, come face to face with wildlife, move along the Forest Sound Dance Floor, build a treehouse, learn about sustainable logging and explore how trees are used in everyday life. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org
RENT THE APPLETON Open House
Thursday, September 24 | 2-6 p.m. Make your next event a work of art. Explore our unique indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate gatherings and more. Drop in anytime between 2 and 6 p.m. to learn more. Free to attend; no reservation needed. Scan the QR code to learn more. Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Photos by Eighteenth Hour Photography
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org
September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
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.
Across 1 "Jurassic Park" resin 6 Big name in champagne 10 Pigpen 13 Glacier-climbing tool 14 First word of a fairy tale 15 __ vez: again, in Spanish 16 Arbitrary allowance for error 18 Sonnet or ode 19 Phony 20 Margaret of "Fire Island" 21 Play parts 23 Ivy in New Haven 24 Poker player with the tallest stacks 26 Out of __ world 28 Not online, online 29 Dove's sound 31 Prefix similar to quad33 38-Down dispenser 35 Talk a big game 36 Sweet treats for a valentine, or what the starts of 16-, 24-, 47-, and 59-Across are 40 Inning's six 41 Tyrannosaurus __ 42 Many Omanis 43 Shivered syllable 44 Barinholtz who won "Celebrity Jeopardy!" in 2023 46 Community FYIs 47 Rite of passage for a Jewish boy 51 Cheeky answers 55 Legal scholar 56 Organ with a lobe 57 Desert flora 58 Shortly, shortly 59 Words on a novelty apron 62 Piffling 63 Uffizi display 64 "Love that" 65 NNW opposite 66 Body positive activist Holliday 67 Brick-and-mortar worker?
Down 1 Honda luxury line 2 Olympian's aspiration 3 French loaves 4 Struck through 5 Penalty caller 6 Sweet rice cake 7 In first place 8 Prefix with hotel or tourist 9 Less verbose 10 Crustacean eaten by sea turtles 11 Moving sidewalk creators? 12 Thanksgiving tubers 13 Not without risk 15 Opinion piece 17 German cries 22 Berkeley, briefly 24 Bologna bye-bye 25 Long ride, for short 27 Bits of time? 30 Need to repay 31 Band wagons? 32 Like a limited edition 33 Hardware chain that celebrated "100 Years of Helpful" in 2024 34 "appreciate u" 35 Mensches 36 __ for apples 37 Lose sleep, maybe 38 Money 39 "Your Song" singer Rita 44 Online convos 45 Apt candy for a snack break? 46 Take different paths 48 Like peaches in summer 49 Cocktail twists 50 Bouquet bearers 52 Sneeze sound 53 Oktoberfest mug 54 Verb in a bread recipe 55 Scone spreads 57 John of "Argylle" 60 Anger 61 That guy
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11
B9
B10
September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice
Public Notice
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CLOSE AND ABANDON ROAD(S) PROBATE DIVISION Notice is hereby given that on October 6, File No.: 2026-CP-1528 2026, at 10:00 AM, or as soon thereafter IN RE: ESTATE OF as practical, a public hearing will be held Case No. 26-CA-0806 by the Board of County Commissioners, vs. STEPHEN JOSEPH MARANDO Marion County, Florida to consider the A/K/A JOSEPH STEPHEN petition by Marion County, to close and NORMAN KEITH BROWN, JR.; AVALICIA MARANDO abandon certain road(s) described as fol- Deceased. LATONNYA NOTICE TO CREDITORS lows, to wit: WILSON-BROWN; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF AVALICIA THAT PART OF S.W. 44th TERRACE (60 The administration of the estate of LATONNYA WILSON-BROWN; and FEET WIDE) LYING NORTH OF S.W. Stephen Joseph Marando A/K/A Joseph UNKNOWN TENANT 44th LANE (60 FEET WIDE) AND WITH- Stephen Marando, deceased, whose date / Defendant. IN THE PLAT OF COUNTRY OAKS, RE- of death was August 21, 2025, is pending CORDED IN PLAT BOOK T, PAGE 92 OF in the Circuit Court for Marion County, NOTICE OF SALE THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION Florida, Probate Division, the address of NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PAR- which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL to a Final Judgment dated August 27, TICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: 34471. The names and addresses of the 2026, entered in Case No.: 26-CA-0806 personal representative and the personal of the Circuit Court in and for Marion COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST representative's attorney are set forth County, Florida, wherein NORMAN KEITH CORNER OF SAID COUNTRY OAKS; below. BROWN, JR., AVALICIA LATONNYA THENCE N89°59'27"E ALONG THE All creditors of the decedent and other WILSON-BROWN, and UNKNOWN NORTH LINE OF SAID COUNTRY persons having claims or demands TENANT N/K/A SYNCERE WILSONOAKS, A DISTANCE OF 567.32 FEET against decedent's estate on whom a BROWN are the Defendants, that Gregory TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF copy of this notice is required to be served C. Harrell, Esq., the Clerk of the Circuit SAID S.W. 44th TERRACE, SAID POINT must file their claims with this court ON Court and Comptroller, will sell to the ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGIN- OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS highest and best bidder for cash, at www. NING; THENCE CONTINUE N89°59'27"E AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST marion.realforeclose.com , on OCTOBER ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the following COUNTRY OAKS AND SAID S.W. 44th DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE described real property as set forth in the TERRACE, A DISTANCE OF 60.00 FEET OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. Final Judgment: TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF All other creditors of the decedent and COMMENCE AT THE N.W. CORNER OF SAID S.W. 44th TERRACE; THENCE DE- other persons having claims or demands SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 13 SOUTH, PARTING SAID NORTH LINE, PROCEED against decedent's estate must file their RANGE 20 EAST, MARION COUNTY, S00°00'33"E ALONG THE EAST RIGHT- claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS FLORIDA; THENCE N.85°18'02"E. OF-WAY LINE OF SAID S.W. 44th TER- AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST ALONG THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF RACE, 114.17 FEET TO THE POINT OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. SAID SECTION 26 A DISTANCE OF CURVATURE OF A CURVE CONCAVE The personal representative has no duty 29.39 FEET TO THE EAST RIGHT OF NORTHEASTERLY, HAVING A RADIUS to discover whether any property held at WAY LINE OF COUNTY HIGHWAY OF 25.00 FEET AND A CENTRAL AN- the time of the decedent's death by the C-225; THENCE S.02°11'21"E. ALONG GLE OF 87°42'21"; THENCE SOUTH- decedent or the decedent's surviving SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE 40.04 EASTERLY ALONG THE ARC OF SAID spouse is property to which the Florida FEET; THENCE N.85°18'02"E. 1144.11 CURVE AND SAID EAST RIGHT-OF- Uniform Disposition of Community FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; WAY LINE, 38.27 FEET (CHORD BEAR- Property Rights at Death Act as described THENCE S.02°11'21"E. 292.84 FEET; ING AND DISTANCE OF S43°51'44"E, in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, THENCE N.85°18'02"E 344.95 FEET; 34.64 FEET) TO THE POINT OF CUSP applies, or may apply, unless a written THENCE N.02°11'21"E. 292.84 FEET; OF SAID CURVE, SAID POINT BEING demand is made by a creditor as specified THENCE S.85°18'02"W 344.95 FEET TO ON THE NORTH LINE OF AFORE- under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The POINT OF BEGINNING. MENTIONED S.W. 44th LANE (60 FEET written demand must be filed with the WIDE); THENCE N87°42'54"W ALONG clerk. TOGETHER WITH A 20 FOOT INGRESS/ SAID NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN EGRESS EASEMENT BEING MORE 110.09 FEET TO THE POINT OF CURVA- THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS TURE OF A CURVE CONCAVE NORTH- FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 FOLLOWS: WESTERLY, HAVING A RADIUS OF WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. THE TIME 25.00 FEET AND A CENTRAL ANGLE OF NOTWITHSTANDING COMMENCE AT THE N.W. CORNER OF 92°17'39", SAID POINT BEING ON THE PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 13 SOUTH, WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF AFORE- CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR RANGE 20 EAST, MARION COUNTY, MENTIONED S.W. 44th TERRACE; MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE FLORIDA; THENCE N.85 18'02"E. THENCE DEPARTING SAID NORTH OF DEATH IS BARRED. ALONG THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, PROCEED The date of first publication of this notice is SAID SECTION 26 A DISTANCE OF NORTHEASTERLY ALONG THE ARC September 4, 2026. 29.39 FEET TO THE EAST RIGHT OF OF SAID CURVE AND SAID RIGHT-OFWAY LINE OF COUNTY HIGHWAY WAY LINE, 40.27 FEET (CHORD BEAR- Attorney for Personal C-225; THENCE S.02°11'21"E. ALONG ING AND DISTANCE OF N46°08'17"E, Representative: SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE 40.04 36.06 FEET) TO THE POINT OF TAN- Mischelle D’Angelone, Esq. FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; GENCY THEREOF; THENCE CONTIN- Attorney for Petitioner THENCE CONTINUE S.02°11'21"E. UE ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY Florida Bar No.: 0016478 ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT OF LINE, N00°00'33"W, 109.76 FEET TO Taylor D’Angelone Law, P.A. WAY LINE 20.02 FEET; THENCE 7730 Little Rd. Ste. B THE POINT OF BEGINNING. N.85°18'02"E. 1144.11 FEET; THENCE New Port Richey, FL 34654 N.02 ° 11'21"W. 20.02 FEET; THENCE Telephone: (727) 863-0644 Said Public Hearing will be held during S.85°18'02"W. 1144.11 FEET TO THE a regular session of the Board of County Fax: (727) 255-5350 POINT OF BEGINNING. Commissioners, Marion County, Florida E-Mail: serve.tdlaw@gmail.com Secondary E-Mail: md.tdlaw@ TOGETHER WITH A 2017 LIVE OAK at the McPherson Governmental Campus gmail.com Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, MANUFACTURED HOME BEARING SERIAL NOS.: LOHGA21732216A AND Florida, 34471-2626. Personal representative: LOHGA21732216A The public is invited to attend said hear- Patricia Marando 12493 SW 67TH LANE NOTICE IF YOU ARE A PERSON ing or submit their written comments pri- Ocala, Florida 34481 or to the hearing date. Be advised that if CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU any person or persons wish to appeal a NOTICE OF MEETING DATES MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK decision of the Board of County CommisUPLANDS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE sioners, Marion County, Florida made at Fiscal Year 2027 CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS the above advertised meeting, a record of UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A the proceedings will be needed by such The Board of Supervisors of the Uplands CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED person(s) and a verbatim recording may Stewardship District will hold their TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER be needed. Please govern yourself acregularly scheduled public meetings for THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS cordingly. the Fiscal Year 2027 at 12:00 PM at UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF the Circle Square Commons, Cultural RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS This procedure shall be in accordance Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. with the provisions of Chapter 336, Florida Statutes. A petition and resolution to 34481 on the third Tuesday of the month as follows (Exceptions noted below): NOTICE If you are a person with a close and abandon the above described disability who needs any accommodation road shall be considered by the Board October 20, 2026 in order to participate in this proceeding, after required publication of this notice. Exception: November 17, 2026 – held you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the Persons wishing to do so should provide at Live Oak Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, provision of certain assistance. Please their written comments on this subject to Suites 7 & 8, Ocala, FL 34481 contact Court Administration at Marion the Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE Exception: December 15, 2026 – held at 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471, prior County Courthouse, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Live Oak Hall Ocala, Florida 34475, telephone 352-620- to the 30th day of September, 2026. January 19, 2027 3582, within two working days of your February 16, 2027 receipt of this notice; if you are hearing The County Commission Auditorium is a Exception: March 16, 2027 – held at handicapped accessible facility. Anyone impaired, call 1-800-955-8771; if you are Live Oak Hall requiring special assistance under the voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8770. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or April 20, 2027 requiring language assistance (free of May 18, 2027 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE June 15, 2027 I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true copy of charge) should contact the County's ADA July 20, 2027 Officer at (352) 438-2345 or TTY or Relay the foregoing has been served on this August 17, 2027 1st day of September 2026 via U.S. Mail number (352) 438-2357 a minimum of 48 September 21, 2027 to: Norman K. Brown, Jr., 12993 NW hours in advance of the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made. Highway 225, Reddick, FL 32686; Avalicia The meetings are open to the public and L. Wilson-Brown, 12993 NW Highway 225, will be conducted in accordance with the Reddick, FL 32686; Unknown Tenant, Extra Space Storage will hold a public provisions of Florida Law for Community 12993 NW Highway 225, Reddick, FL auction to sell personal property de- Development Districts. A copy of the 32686. scribed below belonging to those individ- agenda for a particular meeting may be 21 ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff,
IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
/s/ Leslie S. White By: Leslie S. White, for the firm Dean, Mead, Florida Bar No. Egerton, 521078 Bloodworth, Capouano & Telephone 407-841Bozarth, P.A. 1200 Attn: Leslie S. Facsimile 407-423White 1831 Post Office Box primary email: 2346 lwhite@deanmead. com Orlando, FL secondary email: 32802-2346 eglynn@deanmead. com
FLORIDA Newspaper Advertisement: Extra space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 16679 US. 301 Summerfield, Fl 34491 on September 22, 2026 @ 12:00 pm Patricia Bryant - Household Items The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com . Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
uals listed below at the location indicated:
obtained from the District Manager, at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801, Extra Space Storage 15855 S.US Hwy by calling (407) 841-5524, or by visiting 441 Summerfield FL, 34491 on Septem- the District’s website at https://uplandssd. ber 22nd, 2026 @ 12 pm. com.
Roberto Marrero A meeting may be continued to a date, Xbox, toolboxes and tools, drill press, air time, and place to be specified on the compressor, anvil record at that meeting. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors Zian King will participate by telephone. 2 bedroom sets, table microwave, tv stand, clothing, bedding Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings Ira Campbell because of a disability or physical 2 tv's, monitors, several speakers, metal impairment should contact the District Office at (407) 841-5524 at least fortydetector, tool boxes, stereo system eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, The auction will be listed and advertised please contact the Florida Relay Service on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchas- 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the es must be made with cash only and paid District Office. at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Each person who decides to appeal Storage may refuse any bid and may re- any action taken at these meetings is scind any purchase up until the winning advised that person will need a record bidder takes possession of the personal of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that property. a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and Fictitious Name Notice Notice is hereby given that Infinity HWC evidence upon which such appeal is to be LLC, desiring to engage in business un- based. der the fictitious name Infinity Health & Wellness Coaching intends to register George S. Flint said name with the Florida Department of Governmental Management Services – State, Division of Corporations, pursuant Central Florida, LLC to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. District Manager
Public Notice
Public Notice
Public Notice
IN AND FOR CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2022-3, successor-in-interest to VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, LLC, a foreign limited liability corporation, Plaintiff, CASE NO.: 24-CA-000196
Case No.: 2026-1896-CP
Case No.: 2026-1817-CP
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF
ELIZABETH ANN OTTO, Deceased. /
SHEILA KAY KING, Deceased. /
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ELIZABETH ANN OTTO, deceased, whose date of death was July 18, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All creditors of the decedent, and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is September 11, 2026 Personal Representative: SUSAN BARBER ROSENGRANT 377 Carpenter Road Factoryville, PA 18419
The administration of the estate of SHEILA KAY KING, deceased, whose date of death was July 23, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All creditors of the decedent, and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is September 11, 2026 Personal Representative: JOHN F. JONES 1257 2 nd Street N. F argo, ND 58102
LUZ M. MONGE ANDRADES a/k/a LUZ MARIA MONGE ANDRADES, individually; MARIA C. DOMENECH MONGE, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LUZ M. MONGE ANDRADES a/k/a LUZ MARIA MONGE ANDRADES, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MARIA C. DOMENECH MONGE, individually; FLORIDA PACE FUNDING AGENCY., a Florida public entity; UNKNOWN TENANT(S)/ OWNER(S)/ SPOUSE(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS GIVEN that pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on August 20, 2026, in Civil Action No. 24-CA-000196, of the Circuit Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, in which U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2022-3, successor-ininterest to VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL, LLC, a foreign limited liability corporation, is the Plaintiff, that the Marion County Clerk of Courts will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https:// marion.realforeclose.com at 11:00 am on the 24th day of September, 2026 for the real property located at: Lot 8, Block 973, Marion Oaks Unit Ten, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book O, Page 194, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Address: 6550 Southwest 132nd Street, Ocala, Florida 34473-3881 PIN: 8010-0973-08 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 WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE ADA COORDINATOR AT THE OFFICE OF THE TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR, MARION COUNTY JUDICIAL CENTER, 110 NW 1ST AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475, TELEPHONE (352) 401-6710, AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCE OR EVENT, OR IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPEARANCE OR EVENT IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 711. Dated the 25th day of August 2026. Paul A. Giordano Florida Bar No. 194190 pgiordano@ralaw.com Roetzel & Andress 1617 Hendry Street, Suite 400 Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone 239.337.3850 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA FRANKIE HUERTAS; MARIA JUDITH RIVERA LÓPEZ; Plaintiffs, VS. ROSE M. ROSARIO, Defendant. CASE NO.: 2026-CA-001163 NOTICE OF ACTION-CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE TO: ROSE M. ROSARIO 7507 Mourning Dove Circle Apt. 203 Reunion, FL 34747 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to Partition the following real property: Tract 116, Florida Highlands, an unrecorded subdivision, more particularly described as follows: The East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 22, Township 17 South, Range 20 East, Marion County, Florida. Together with 2005 SIZZ Mobile Homes, VIN GMHGA10460317A and VIN GMHGA10460317B. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 407 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 217, Longwood, Florida 32779 on or before 30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, located at Clerk of the Court, located at 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475, 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 or petition filed herein. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Marion County, Florida, this 26TH day of August 2026. By: D. Corticia As Deputy Clerk Plaintiff's Attorney: JARED GROW, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1069596 Haynes Law Group, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 407 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 217 Longwood, FL 32779 Phone: (407) 960-7377 Email: Jared@hayneslegalgroup.com THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEEK FOR FOUR (4) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. PUBLISH IN: OCALA GAZETTER - MARION COUNTY
Attorney for Personal Representative: JANET W. BEHNKE Florida Bar No. 135969 Janet W. Behnke, P.A. 500 NE 8 th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: (352) 732-6464 janet@behnkelaw.net
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. HULSE, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-1996 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: June 12, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 4, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JANET W. BEHNKE Florida Bar No. 135969 Janet W. Behnke, P.A. 500 NE 8 th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: (352) 732-6464 janet@behnkelaw.net NOTICE OF MEETING DATES BAY LAUREL CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Fiscal Year 2027 The Board of Supervisors of the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District will hold their regularly scheduled public meetings for the Fiscal Year 2027 at 10:00 AM at the Circle Square Commons, Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 on the third Tuesday of the month as follows (Exceptions noted below): October 20, 2026 Exception: November 17, 2026 – held at Live Oak Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & 8, Ocala, FL 34481 Exception: December 15, 2026 – held at Live Oak Hall January 19, 2027 February 16, 2027 Exception: March 16, 2027 – held at Live Oak Hall April 20, 2027 May 18, 2027 June 15, 2027 July 20, 2027 August 17, 2027 September 21, 2027 The meetings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida Law for Community Development Districts. A copy of the agenda for a particular meeting may be obtained from the District Manager, at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801, by calling (407) 841-5524, or by visiting the District’s website at https://blccdd.com. A meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at that meeting. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors will participate by telephone. Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (407) 841-5524 at least fortyeight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Each person who decides to appeal any action taken at these meetings is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Personal Representative: DOUGLAS W. BEVIL 16007 Doolin Court, Apt. 110 Charlotte, NC 28273
George S. Flint Governmental Management Services – Central Florida, LLC District Manager
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Bird of the week Wood duck Week of September 11th thru September 17th 2026 ARIES
March 21-April 20
LIBRA
September 23October 23
It may feel like you’re coming out of the dark and into the light this week, Aries. A weight has been lifted, but there is still some emotional components to work out.
Physical stamina is strong for you this week, Libra. Consider working out to release some of that pent-up energy. A sport or hobby can channel it as well.
TAURUS
SCORPIO
Taurus, have a look at the world around you this week instead of just moving forward with your nose to the grindstone. Enjoy a night out with friends and take an active role in the evening.
Take a break from the seriousness that has taken root lately, Scorpio. You’ll find that some upbeat conversations are the way to navigate the waters this week.
April 21-May 21
GEMINI
May 22-June 21
October 24November 22
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 -December 21
Gemini, question what you hear this week, and do not take all of the information you receive at face value. You might need to read between the lines.
The things you say to others will have a profound effect, Sagittarius. Be mindful of the words you choose. Enjoy a physical group activity.
CANCER
CAPRICORN
June 22-July 22
This is a great week to go out and get things done, Cancer. Even if you feel a little indecisive, don’t sweat the small details. You don’t have to make any great commitments.
LEO
July 23-August 23
Leo, action is the name of the game for you right now. You might notice a sudden burst of physical energy at some point, and that can be channeled into a walk or bike ride.
VIRGO
August 24- September 22
Take some of the knowledge you have picked up and processed over the past few weeks and spread it around, Virgo. It is time to put your communication skills to work.
December 22January 20
Capricorn, your solid footing may become a bit unstable this week. Don’t fret. In fact, infuse a bit of laughter and playfulness into things.
Our most colorful local duck, by far, is the male (drake) wood duck. They’re common year-round and abundant on the Silver River, where this one was photographed. The outlandish look of the male has been described as having the pompadour hairstyle of Elvis with the makeup scheme of KISS. These ducks nest high in tree hollows, and underneath their webbed feet they have sharp claws for clinging to branches. Photo by Michael Warren. See more at https://michaelwarren.com/birds
AQUARIUS
January 21-February 18
There is no excuse for laziness this week, Aquarius. Make sure you get out of bed each day and engage in something that gets your body and mind working.
PISCES
February 19-March 20
It is time to take action, Pisces. See how far you can take all of the tasks that are on your to-do list. You may be surprised to find that you accomplish so much.
Animal Crackers
Broom Hilda
ANSWERS FOR PAGE B9 Sudoku
Middletons
Jumble
Gasoline Alley
Crossword
MUDDY BERET GENTRY ALLEGE Answers: When the company's board members voted to raise prices, the — GREEDY AGREED
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September 11-17 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE