OG Digital Edition 10-24-2025

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 seasons

Pg B6

Local sauce company gets Walmart deal

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Marion County’s own José Juarez, creator of the awardwinning 455 Sauce, has landed a deal to bring his handcrafted condiment to Walmart stores. Already sold at almost 300 Publix supermarkets, the artisan sauce will debut

in 100 Walmart stores by the end of the year, with plans to expand as production scales up. But the story of 455 Sauce began long before Walmart. Juarez first created the sauce nearly a decade ago after his wife, Kelly, encouraged him to enter “America’s New Grill Star,” a national contest hosted by “Live with Kelly and Michael” in 2015.

“So, I entered a combined Cuban sandwich and hamburger that I called the Cuban Missile — pulled pork, sweet ham, ground rib-eye steak, Swiss cheese and grilled pickles,” Juarez recalled. “I used to put mayo and mustard on it, but I knew I needed something unique to put me over the top.”

That “something” became the 455 Sauce.

“I started playing around to find the perfect sauce, and after three days, I had it,” he said. Inspired by his love for classic cars, Juarez named the sauce after his 1971 Pontiac GTO’s 455 engine, a nod to both speed and precision. 455 Sauce is known for its rich blend of high-

See Sauce company page A9

Marion County schools examine consolidation, excess capacity in north end

jennifer@ocalagazette.com M

arion County Public Schools is studying ways to reduce operational costs and address excess school capacity,

county where several campuses serve fewer than 400 students.

When district administration offered school board members options during a, Oct. 17 workshop, more than three hours of discussion bled into a host of possibilities.

considered to have capacity if enrollment is below 90% of its Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) capacity. For the 2025–26 school year, Fessenden Elementary is at 95%

See Schools examine, page A5

Netflix documentary shown in Ocala

‘The Perfect Neighbor’ details events up to and after the shooting death of Ajike Owens by Susan Lorincz.

By Andy Fillmore

andy@ocalagazette.com

TBreast cancer rates remain stubbornly high in Marion County

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Breast cancer rates in Marion County remain higher than the state average, and local officials and advocates say more residents must commit to regular screenings to reverse the trend.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Marion County recorded a breast cancer incidence rate of about 150.5 cases per 100,000 women in 2022, compared with Florida’s statewide rate of roughly 134.6 per 100,000. The county’s breast cancer death rate was 22.7 per 100,000, above the state rate of 18.1. These numbers place Marion in the state’s highest quartile for both cases and deaths.

At the Oct. 6 commission meeting, Commissioner Michelle Stone, a two-time breast cancer survivor, read a proclamation declaring October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and urged residents to act.

“Screening utilization rates for women 40 and older in Marion County are below the Florida average and have declined since 2007 despite increased awareness and access,” Stone said. “Only about half of eligible women get annual mammograms.”

he award-winning 2025 Netflix documentary “The Perfect Neighbor,” about events leading up to and after the June 2, 2023, shooting death of Ajike “A.J.” Owens through a locked door by Susan Lorincz, was shown Oct. 17 at the Kingdom Revival Church in Ocala. The documentary’s title comes from a video segment in which Lorincz is heard describing herself as “the perfect neighbor.”

and on-scene police bodycamera footage,” according to Tudum by Netflix at netflix.com.

The 96-minute film “reconstructs events before and after (the shooting) using interviews, 911 audio

A Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said an undetermined amount of body camera video was obtained by public record requests and some footage appears to have come from another source.

The showing was sponsored by the Marion County Chapter of the NAACP, Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, Black Voters Matter, EG: Equal Ground, Black Women’s Roundtable, All About the Ballots and Florida for All. The shooting in Ocala

See Perfect Neighbor page A4

Continued from page A1

Stone, who discovered her own cancer through self-examination, told the audience that early detection saves lives.

“At 40, all women—well, men, too if you have that history in your family—should get that mammography,” she said. “It’s not as painful as people make it out to be, and it saves lives. The most important thing is, the earlier it’s caught, the longer people get to live.”

LOCAL EFFORTS AND BARRIERS

Amy Roberts, LCSW, chair of the Cancer Alliance of Marion County, said there’s no single explanation for the county’s elevated numbers in the 2022 data set.

“Screening rates dropped during 2021–2022 due to COVID-19 shutdowns,” Roberts said in an email to the “Gazette.” “It could be we were finding cancers at later stages post-COVID, influencing some of this data. Other challenges could include under-insured or uninsured populations.”

Roberts emphasized that multiple local organizations are trying to close those gaps.

• Michelle-O-Gram, which funds mammograms for women without insurance, recently deployed a mobile unit in Dunnellon.

The Department of Health will host a mobile mammogram day Nov. 5 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, offering free screenings for eligible women ages 40–64.

• The Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center, HUGs Charities, and Langley Health Services also partner to reach Hispanic and low-income residents with education and

assistance programs.

Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, where Roberts works, sponsors HUGs Charities, which helps cancer patients with living expenses and promotes prevention through community events.

PREVENTION AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of most breast cancers isn’t known. Researchers point to a mix of hormones, lifestyle choices, environmental factors and genetic predisposition.

Roberts said new research suggests that up to 40% of cancer risk is linked to lifestyle.

“We can work as a community to change these statistics by moving more, eating healthy foods, staying away from processed or sugary diets, limiting alcohol, and abstaining from tobacco products,” she said.

Breast cancer begins when changes occur in the DNA of breast tissue cells, causing them to grow and divide uncontrollably. The abnormal cells can form a tumor that invades healthy tissue or spreads elsewhere in the body.

Increased risk factors include age, obesity, alcohol consumption, early menstruation, having no children or children after 30, dense breast tissue, hormone therapy, and inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

The American Cancer Society notes on its website that “research shows that nearly half of all cancers can be linked to risk factors you can change,” and offers an online ACS CancerRisk360 assessment (cancer.org/cancer/ risk-prevention/cancer-risk-360) to learn more about what puts you at risk and what could be changed “to improve your health and lower your cancer risk.”

As the Mayo Clinic notes, breast cancer often results from “a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and the world around you.”

“When cancer is detected early, it is typically linked with better outcomes. Yet only about 50% of those eligible are getting screened,” Roberts said.

Stone urged the community to remind each other to get examined. “Circle a day. Make it a special day every month. Ask your loved one: Have you done your breast selfexamination?”

Judge weighs medical marijuana licenses

By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida

Amonths-long hearing kicked off Oct. 20 in a fierce licensure battle over a rare opportunity to join the state’s medical marijuana industry.

The hearing, slated to run through mid-February, comes nearly a year after Florida health regulators announced their intent to award medical marijuana licenses to 22 of dozens of applicants who vied for the licenses.

Legal and administrative wrangling began almost immediately after the November 2024 announcement, leaving 13 of the rejected applicants to participate in the hearing before Administrative Law Judge Mary Li Creasy that began Monday.

The Florida Department of Health, along with nearly all of the companies selected for licensure, also are part of the complex administrative procedure involving hundreds of exhibits and days of witness and expert testimony.

Most of the losing applicants are trying to convince Creasy that the state health agency — and the people hired to evaluate the applications — erroneously gave their proposals a score lower than they should have received. Scores ranged from roughly 1,450 points to roughly 3,280 points, with the lowest score of an intended awardee at 2,826 — just a point ahead of one of the challengers.

During opening statements Monday morning, attorney Will Hall, who represents applicant Liner Source, Inc., told Creasy that his client came in at only 23 points below the lowest-scoring applicant selected for a license. Hall said that Liner Source received a score of five out of 60 potential points on the “cultivation” section of the application — far lower than some

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of the other applicants.

Hall argued, in part, that the score was flawed because Liner Source showed on its application that it had secured a significant amount of cultivation infrastructure and equipment.

For Creasy to find that Liner Source’s score was accurate, she would “have to find they had a below-average ability to secure what they already secured,” Hall said.

“That’s not going to work,” he added.

In addition to considering whether the 13 challengers received the appropriate scores, Creasy also is weighing whether some applicants were wrongly excluded from getting a license for other reasons.

MSD Enterprises LLC received among the highest scores but is fighting to get a license after being rejected because regulators said they did not provide the names of every “natural person” affiliated with the applicant, as required by state rule.

Another losing applicant, Niraam LLC, is disputing that its application was ineligible because of a prohibition against ownership in more than one medical marijuana

license.

The new licenses are required under a 2017 law that called for boosting the number of licenses as the number of eligible patients, which currently exceeds 930,000, increases.

The current round of licensing, which began in 2023, is the first major opportunity for newcomers to the industry to vie for licenses since the 2017 legislation passed. An initial round of licenses was based on a 2014 law that legalized non-euphoric cannabis for a limited number of patients. The state currently has 25 licensed operators who run 736 dispensaries throughout the state.

Ed Lombard, an attorney who represents the Florida Department of Health, noted that Monday’s hearing was taking place “almost 10 years to the month” since the state issued the first batch of medical marijuana licenses.

“Surprise, surprise, the losers are unhappy with their scores. Knock me over with a feather,” Lombard said.

The state received 72 applications in April 2023 for the batch of licenses that will nearly double the number of medical marijuana operators in the state.

Businesses eager to join Florida’s medical marijuana industry at the time were banking in part on a 2024 proposed constitutional amendment that would have legalized recreational marijuana.

Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigned strenuously against the proposal, which narrowly failed to get the 60 percent approval required to pass.

Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee behind the 2024 proposal, are backing a similar initiative for the 2026 ballot.

The committee has largely been bankrolled by Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana operator, which spent $145 million on last year’s effort.

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Rondo, Roma’s and The Rock

Noted local restaurateur embraces getting “creative” in the kitchen, and for a good cause.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

You can enjoy a traditional Italian meal at Roma’s Italian Restaurant or sample a creative new “mash-up” at the adjacent Roma’s Bar Side. And every diner also has the option to “round-up” their bill to provide a donation to the nonprofit The Rock Program, which helps local high school students in need.

The restaurateur behind all this is Ron “Rondo” Fernandez, who sold his famous Mojo’s franchise about three years ago.

“I was supposed to retire but I got drawn back in,” he said during a recent tour of Roma’s, which features a spacious courtyard in between the Bar Side and the main dining room. The venue is located in the Shops at Foxwood center off U.S. 27 west of Ocala.

Fernandez explained that he is part of a consortium that owns several area eateries.

“When I sold Mojo’s, I was an existing part of two restaurant groups. Mojo’s was one and this other group was one. We don’t have a name, but we own Elevation 89, County Line, Anchor Inn, Pizza Joint and this is part of the group. They also own Say Taco, but I’m not involved in it. So, we have five restaurants that I am part of,” he shared.

In a recent post on Facebook, Chris Wilson, a partner in the group, stated: “October 1st breakfast with Rondo, an important day. 20 years to the day we started Rondo’s. In the years that followed, I fired him, he fired me, but somehow, we got back up, dusted ourselves off and remained friends. Fast forward to October 1st, 2015. That day marks the beginning of our current restaurant group, which has now grown to what is possibly the largest locally owned non-chain restaurant group in Marion County. Thanks to all who support us at Elevation 89 At The Ocala Airport, Say Taco Tequila Bar & Grill, County Line Smokehouse & Spirits, The Anchor On Sunset Harbor, The Pizza Joint and Roma’s Italian Restaurant. We made mistakes, we learned, we grew. And who knows, we may still have something up our sleeve in the future.”

Roma’s was founded by Lorenzo Del Giudice, who died in 2018 at the age of 79. He began working in the restaurant business when he was 16, soon after he emigrated from Italy, and went on to own several restaurants in New York, Ohio and Florida. He ran Roma’s with his wife, Kris, and they also bred thoroughbreds.

Fernandez said his group bought Roma’s about two years ago and he came on as the managing partner about a year ago.

“It’s all connected,” he said sweeping his arm across the interior of the Bar Side, past the courtyard and in the direction of the main dining area.

“Here on the Bar Side, we do bar food with an Italian twist. You can get smash burgers here, then we take some Italian traditional stuff and kind of recreate it. Like a Fried Green Tomato Caprese Salad and Buffalo Cauliflower, which I think is amazing, as are our Buffalo Garlic Knots. We get to create over here. A little mashup. I’m glad I get to do fun stuff,” Fernandez said with a twinkle in his eyes.

“In the courtyard, we have private parties, karaoke, trivia, things like that. It’s always packed out here,” he noted.

A poster announcing special events and offerings notes things such as Munchie Mondays, with

“crazy chef” creations; Two For Tuesdays, with music bingo and Name That Tune; Wednesday Ladies Night; Thursday, trivia; Friday and Saturday, raw bar specials; Sunday, comfort food and brunch specials; and Daily Specials.

Fernandez, who was born in South Florida but moved to Marion County as a youngster, freely admits that learning to cook Italian has “not been easy.”

“It has been a learning experience. People are so territorial about their cultural Italian food. Italy is a country that has different regions and different foods. Trying to find something that makes everybody happy and kind of fits all the regions has been a challenge,” he shared.

“And learning the dough aspect and the hand tossed pizza. It’s becoming a lost art, but we’re still doing hand tossed. We’re still old school in our preparation. But also, our biggest challenge is finding the talent to keep doing that. It’s

usually something somebody learned from their dad or learned as a kid,” he added.

Fernandez said that when he came into Roma’s, he felt they needed to change some basic concepts.

“We’re switching to fresh ingredients, switching to cooking less more often, instead of in big batches. Concentrating on new and fresh, especially with the demographic coming in with the World Equestrian Center. They were wanting a fresher, younger type feel, so that’s when we added our Detroit style pizza and entertainment all the time,” he explained.

“His Italian menu was serving the whole complex,” he said of Del Giudice. “So we started doing the smash burgers and some of that cool stuff you see on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. We take traditional Italian and do cool things with it, like Italian nachos,” he added.

Fernandez said he still has the “same pizza guy” and many longtime customers. Pizza, by far, remains a favorite for clients. There’s even a “pizza window” just inside the front door of the main dining room, where you can salivate over whole pies, the pinwheel of the day and more.

And for those with a sweet tooth, there are Cannoli’s, Tiramisu Bread Pudding, New York Style Cheesecake and

Zeppoli’s, which he describes as “fried pizza dough tossed in a little bit of powdered sugar.”

No matter which meal you choose from the robust menu, you can help local students in need by rounding up your bill for The Rock program.

The program has resource rooms in high schools in Marion, Lake and Citrus counties. Each room is stocked with essential supplies, such as food, clothing, hygiene products, school supplies and more. Rock Rooms are supported by community volunteers and school support staff.

“We serve about 300 kids a day. We are in three counties now and at the end of this year will have 27 permanent locations at different schools. And we are working to add Sumter and Levy counties. We helped 10,000 kids in Marion County last year,” Fernandez noted.

Fernandez and his wife, Toby, started the 501©(3) nonprofit and she remains a volunteer. Their daughter, Amber Ellman, is the director of operations. Troy Weaver is the executive director. The foundational pillars of The Rock are refuge, foundation and purpose.

To learn more about Roma’s, go to romasocala.com

For information about the nonprofit, go to therockprogram.org

Perfect Neighbor

evoked emotion over the loss of 35-yearold Owens, a mother of four children, involved racial overtones and ignited national debate over Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which allows use of deadly force for a person who feels their life is in imminent danger.

Francine Julius Edwards, Marion County NAACP 2nd Vice President, opened the gathering by stating the presentation was “not a celebration but a viewing.” Edwards served as an advisor to “Justice for AJ,” a group that protested “insufficient charges” filed against Lorincz, according to prior news reports.

“We protested, held a vigil at the square and met to keep pressure for the DA to charge Susan Lorincz with (at least) 2nd Degree Murder,” Edwards wrote in an email.

An MCSO arrest affidavit details the fatal shooting and the events leading up it.

Prior to the shooting Lorincz argued with neighborhood children playing in a field adjacent to her quadraplex apartment in the 1600 block of Southwest 107th Lane and reportedly threw a skate at one of Owens’ children, the affidavit states.

Owens came to Lorincz’s closed front door sometime before 8:54 p.m., the time MCSO responded, with her 10-year-old son and knocked on the door demanding Lorincz come outside, the affidavit states, and Lorincz fired once through the door fatally wounding Owens.

Lorincz claimed in an interview after the shooting “she has been having a problem with the same juveniles for approximately two years due to their lack of respect for her peace and privacy. Lorincz advised that the children of victim Owens have told her in the past they would kill her,” the affidavit stated.

Lorincz’s immediate next-door neighbor told investigators “that she has spoken to both the victim and Lorincz in the past. She said the victim has always been nice to her and that Lorincz is always yelling at the victim’s children and other children for playing in the field outside of their building.”

“(The neighbor) advised she did not understand why Lorincz was so upset by “kids being kids” and playing outside. She advised she never heard or witnessed Lorincz become violent with the kids…,” the affidavit reads in part.

The affidavit continues with Lorincz‘s interview.

“Lorincz advised that on the night of the shooting, after she told the juveniles to leave, they went home and then all of a sudden the victim came to her door and started banging on the door while yelling, “I’m going to —- kill you!,” although the investigator wrote: “Other individuals who were interviewed stated that they did not hear Owens make a statement about killing her,” the affidavit reads.

“Lorincz advised that Owens banged on the door so hard everything started shaking and she thought the door was going to come off. She advised that she panicked and stated to herself, “Oh, my god, she’s really going to kill me this time.” At that point, Lorincz advised she fired one round from her handgun,” the affidavit indicates

“She was trying as hard as she could,” Lorincz said of Owens trying to enter the

apartment, the affidavit reads.

(The investigator) asked her if that meant she was trying the door handle and Lorincz said she was just beating the door. Lorincz advised she yelled back through the door that the victim was trespassing,” the affidavit dates.

An examination of Lorincz’s apartment door revealed a handle lock, “extra-long” deadbolt lock and door chain without any damage to the locks or door frame, according to the affidavit.

“(Two investigators) discussed with Lorincz (who is white) the allegations of her making racial slurs towards children in the neighborhood and Lorincz admitted to having used the ‘n’ word toward children out of anger in the past and also to calling children other derogatory terms,” the affidavit states.

Lorincz said she fired a Remington .380 handgun, one of two handguns she owned, the affidavit states.

Edwards said watching the documentary brought back memories of the horror Owens’ children suffered.

George Albright Marion County Tax Collector TO

“Watching ‘Perfect Neighbor,’ I was reminded of the severity of the incident.

Watching that video, I broke out crying watching those babies cry about their mother never coming back,” Edwards stated.

“As a mom, I kept wondering why this adult even moved into a community that has children all around. And she was renting the apartment! No way that area is owned by her...Hearing the children wailing was certainly a trigger,” Edwards stated.

A technical glitch occurred during the showing, preventing the final part of the video to be viewed.

Rev. Jerone Gamble, Marion County NAACP chapter president, spoke of a community initiative ongoing aimed at safer streets and elimination of gun violence.

Florida Rep. Angie Nixon was on hand and spoke at the gathering. Nixon said there’s “a lot to take in” from the documentary and that her “anxiety” level went up.

“I’m a mom…,” she said.

Nixon spoke of the importance of “community” to protect people and their rights.

Lorincz, now 61, was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm on Nov. 25, 2025, and is currently serving a 25-year sentence at Homestead Correctional Institute in Florida City, with an expected release date of April 8, 2048.

Cassandra Brown, co-founder and executive director of the Eustis-based All About the Ballots, a sponsor of the showing, wrote in an email that the killers of her uncle, Willie Douglas, “still walk free, shielded by a ‘Stand Your Ground’ law that negates accountability” for all races.

Meanwhile, Edwards stated she was touched by an encounter with one of Owens children in the weeks after the fatal shooting.

“We were holding signs and shouting ‘Justice for AJ!.’ A sedan stopped at the light. I shouted “Justice for AJ! I didn’t realize until later that Ajike Owens’ daughter, named Africa, leaned out the car and said ‘Yes, justice for my Mom,’” she wrote.

Netflix is a paid streaming service. To view the documentary, go to netflix.com

George Albright Marion County Tax Collector TO

BETTER

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 2024 MARION COUNTY REAL ESTATE, TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND RAILROAD TAX ROLLS have been delivered by the Property Appraiser to the Tax Collector and certified on October 1 , 2024. The 2024 tax roll is now open for collection. If you recently purchased a property after September 15th and have not received the 4 tax notice by 6 4, please contact the Marion County Tax Collector’s Tax Department at (352) 368-8274 for a duplicate notice. Please provide your correct mailing address.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 2025 MARION COUNTY REAL ESTATE, TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND RAILROAD TAX ROLLS have been delivered by the Property Appraiser to the Tax Collector and certified on October 16, 2025. The 2025 tax roll is now open for collection. If you recently purchased a property after August 2025 and have not received the 2025 tax notice by Monday, November 10, 2025, please contact the Marion County Tax Collector’s Tax Department at (352) 368-8274 for a duplicate notice. Please provide your correct mailing address.

SCHEDULE OF DISCOUNTS

SCHEDULE OF DISCOUNTS

4% IF PAID BY NOVEMBER 30, 2 24

4% IF PAID BY NOVEMBER 30, 2025

3% IF PAID BY DECEMBER 31, 2025

2% IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2026

3% IF PAID BY DECEMBER 31, 2 24 2% IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2025 1% IF PAID BY FEBRUARY 28, 2025

1% IF PAID BY FEBRUARY 28, 2026

No discount if paid March 1 through March 31, 2026. ALL UNPAID 2025 TAXES BECOME DELINQUENT APRIL 1, 2026, AND STATUTORY INTEREST WILL BE IMPOSED. If the Tax Collector receives the payment of taxes by mail, he shall use the postmark to determine the date of payment, the applicable discount, and if the taxes were paid before the delinquency date. Payments received after the date of delinquency but postmarked prior to April 1, 2026 are not considered delinquent. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Observed Holiday, the discount period shall be extended to the next working day if payment is delivered to an office of the Tax Collector. When the postmark indicates that taxes are delinquent, then the date payment is received in the Tax Collector’s Office shall be the date of payment for determining penalties, advertising and other costs. Taxes may be paid online at www.mariontax.com, by mail to P.O. Box 970, Ocala, Florida 34478-0970, by phone (352) 368-8200 (credit or debit card only, subject to convenience fee of 2.5%), or at any of the following locations during hours indicated.

MARION COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR

No discount if paid March 1 through March 31, 2025. ALL UNPAID 2 24 TAXES BECOME DELINQUENT APRIL 1, 2 25, AND STATUTORY INTEREST WILL BE IMPOSED. If the Tax Collector receives the payment of taxes by mail, he shall use the postmark to determine the date of payment, the applicable discount, and if the taxes were paid before the delinquency date. Payments received after the date of delinquency but postmarked prior to April 1, 2025 are not considered delinquent. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Observed Holiday, the discount period shall be extended to the next working day if payment is delivered to an office of the Tax Collector. When the postmark indicates that taxes are delinquent, then the date payment is received in the Tax Collector’s Office shall be the date of payment for determining penalties, advertising and other costs. Taxes may be paid online at www mariontax.com, by mail to P.O. Box 970, Ocala, Florida 34478-0970, by phone (352) 368-8200 (credit or debit card only, subject to convenience fee of 2.5%), or at any of the following locations during hours indicated. MARION COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR OFFICE LOCATIONS Telephone: (352) 368-8200

Schools examine

District Map of Marion County Schools

of its FISH capacity, ReddickCollier Elementary is at just 47%, Anthony Elementary and Fort McCoy Elementary are both at 73%, while Sparr Elementary exceeds its capacity at 103%.

Factored into the conversation was the age of the facilities and the growing list of maintenance issues associated with the schools.

Anthony Elementary is 50 years old with an annual operating cost of $4.1 million; Sparr is 48 years old with operating cost of $4.2 million; Reddick-Collier Elementary is 39 years old with operating cost of $13 million.

Fessenden Elementary, which is 73 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places, costs $4.1 million annually to operate.

The district has been trying to move toward site-based budgeting, which could make it harder for smaller schools to offer certain services if they don’t have the revenue to support it, adding another layer to consider during consolidation discussions.

In addition to considering annual operating costs, 20-year maintenance costs are projected at $37 million for just these four aging elementary schools in the north.

School Board member Sarah James said consolidating smaller schools could help align capacity levels and save millions on operating costs over time.

“If we were to put a centralized center school at Reddick for the north end, and we were to offline building 10 for FDLRS [Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System], we’re going to put ourselves at about 75% capacity at Reddick,” she said. “That is a significant step in the right direction for addressing capacity.”

CONSOLIDATION UNDER REVIEW

Board members reviewed several concepts for reconfiguring schools, including combining campuses or repurposing facilities.

One idea was to convert all four elementary schools on the north end to K-8, leaving North Marion Middle School vacated for Bridgeway Academy (currently located in the Marion Technical Institute).

The other concept focused mostly on the north end elementary schools:

• Relocating Fordham Early Learning Academy to Reddick-Collier Elementary to operate as a single school, with Bridgeway Academy moving into the Fordham site or Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts moving into the Fordham campus, with Bridgeway Academy moving to Madison Street Academy.

Combining Sparr and Anthony elementary schools into one new facility on the Sparr campus, estimated to cost between $26 million and $50 million, depending on whether the district opts for additions or a new build.

• Converting the Anthony Elementary campus into an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) center if students are moved to Reddick-Collier.

“These options could improve efficiency and reduce redundant operational expenses,” the district summary states.

James said the proposed Sparr consolidation “literally pays for itself” within a decade because of savings in utilities, maintenance and staffing.

“We’re going to spend the money either way— operationally, to the tune of two and a half million annually over 10 years, which is $25 million just in operations,” she told the board. “Improving Sparr and putting everyone in a better school literally pays for itself.”

BALANCING COST AND COMMUNITY

Board member Allison Campbell said the district must make “fiscally sound” decisions while remaining mindful of community ties to neighborhood schools.

“Having any school with a capacity of 400 or in that range just isn’t going to make fiscal sense in the day and age we’re living in,” she said. “I understand that there’s history and that the school was originally a high school, but we have to think as fiscally as we can with student focus as well.”

Board member Nancy Thrower cautioned that

ELEMENTARY

AYE Anthony

BVE Belleview

BSE Belleview-Santos

CPE College Park

NHJ Dr. NH Jones

DNE Dunnellon

EME East Marion

ESE Eighth Street

EMS Emerald Shores

FDE Fessenden

EGE Fordham Early Learning Academy

GWE Greenway

HBE Hammett Bowen Jr.

HVE Harbour View

Legacy

consolidation decisions must consider the cultural and historical significance of small North Marion schools.

Madison Street

Map Key

Maplewood

Marion Oaks

Oakcrest

Ocala Springs

Reddick-Collier

Romeo

Ward-Highlands

Winding Oaks

“There is a strong sense of community up there, and I don’t hear them clamoring, saying ‘tear down Anthony and build us a new school,’” she said. “They’d probably rather see us take care of spaces that kids aren’t even in first, before we disrupt communities that have such history.”

NEXT STEPS

The board plans to revisit the topic Nov. 6, when district staff will present cost comparisons, updated FISH capacity projections, and potential zoning changes to balance enrollment. Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer summarized that the board reached “consensus to have further conversation” about consolidation plans and community input sessions. District leaders have emphasized that any changes will involve public engagement before decisions are made.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

ACCESSIBILITY DAY FOR SIGHT IMPAIRED GUESTS

The Heart of the Park, an initiative by Ocala Main Street, recently welcomed students from the Florida Center for the Blind’s Transition Program for an Accessibility Day experience in Tuscawilla Park.

The program, which serves blind and visually impaired teens, aligned with White Cane Awareness Month, a national observance that celebrates independence, mobility and the right of every individual to navigate their community safely and confidently, the news release noted.

The day was designed to showcase Ocala through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. Students began their journey at the Reilly Arts Center for career exploration and creative discovery, then participated in orientation and mobility training along the trails of Tuscawilla Park. They had lunch at Midtown Station before they boarded the O-Line Trolley to explore the Downtown Zone, where they visited Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop and the Brick City area. The experience ended at the Heart of the Park, where participants shared feedback about accessibility.

“Our transition students participate in monthly programs designed to help them build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for the workforce,” said Anissa Pieriboni, CEO of the Florida Center for the Blind, in the release. “We are deeply grateful to Ocala Main Street for providing this platform and for creating an experience that not only educates but also empowers our students to engage fully with their community.”

Ocala Main Street will compile and share the students’ feedback with city of Ocala staff. Community members who wish to share feedback can email info@ ocalamainstreet.org

“Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of what we do,” said Jessica Fieldhouse, executive director of Ocala Main Street, in the release. “Our vision is for every part of the district — Midtown, Tuscawilla and Downtown — to be accessible, inclusive and full of opportunity. Working alongside organizations like the Florida Center for the Blind helps us see our city through new perspectives and move closer to that vision together.”

F.I.D.O. TURNS 10

At the Oct. 7 county commission meeting, Marion County celebrated the 10th anniversary of the F.I.D.O. (Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience) Project training program, a partnership between Marion County Animal Services and the Florida Department of Corrections, led by Wendy Hillyard, program coordinator for MCAS.

The program began in 2015 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement and launched its first class, “Star Paws,” later that year, training four dogs: Chewy, Luke, Trooper and Princess. Since then, the F.I.D.O. Project training program has graduated 36 classes, the news release noted.

The program provides inmates with hands-on training experience that teaches responsibility, patience and compassion, while giving dogs a second chance. Through obedience training, socialization and behavior modification, the dogs become more adoptable, increasing their chances of finding permanent homes.

“We thank our county commission for approving this program 10 years ago,” said Kyra Lynch, MCAS director, in the release. “And to all of our community partners, staff and volunteers, your support has made it possible to carry forward this lifesaving program and help so many dogs find forever homes.”

For more information, visit marionfl.org/FIDO

OCALA BLUE STAR MOTHERS FUNDRAISERS

Blue Star Mothers supports military service members, veteran population and families of the fallen (Gold Star families). Ocala Blue Star Mothers FL10 has scheduled a series of fundraising events to which the public is invited:  Oct.29, 5-9 p.m. - Five Guys Fundraiser at 2701 SW College Road, Ocala, with 20% of sales to go to Wreaths Across America for Highland Memorial, Ocala.  Nov. 1 - Wreath Run - Proceeds will go to Wreaths Across America (for Highland Memorial, Ocala). Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocala-Marion

County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 Fort King St., Ocala, followed by honor guard and Ocala Blue Star Mothers address, and ending at Cody’s Original Roadhouse, 8169 SW State Road 200, Ocala, for buffet lunch, door prizes and raffles.  Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. –Veterans Day Car Show at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Proceeds will support Friends of Marion County Veterans Park and Ocala Blue Star Mothers. Vehicle registration is $25. Free for spectators. Music by The Timeless Band, radio remote with Classic Hits 104.7, food trucks, raffles, 50/50, silent auction, prizes and more.

For more information, call Anne Parker at (843) 5040032 and visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

DOLL AND TEDDY BEAR ADOPTIONS

The Kingdom of the Sun Doll Club will host a doll and teddy bear adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Ocala Headquarters Public Library at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

According to the new release, many families struggle with the dilemma of what to do with Grandma’s cherished dolls once she downsizes her home or passes away. KSDC President Sarah Hayward said she receives many phone calls from distressed doll owners and their families searching for information on how to sell or where to place their collections of dolls, which also is a concern of club members.

“We love our dolls and worry about their fate when we are no longer here to take care of them. We want our dolls in loving hands, played with and enjoyed. We want the dolls to be passed forward to the next generation of doll keepers. We want them preserved,” according to the release.

Adoptions will be limited to one doll or bear per person, unless there are items available after all adoptions have been completed. Adoptions are for personal use, not resale. No antique dolls are being offered. Additional doll clothing and shoes will be available.

The members of KSDC Ocala are part of the United Federation of Doll Clubs, a nonprofit with the goal of being the foremost in research, education, conservation and appreciation of dolls.

For more information, call Sarah Hayward at (908) 399-1314.

Paychecks for Patriots job fair set for Nov. 13 in Ocala

Staff report

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion wants to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of a statewide effort. The annual Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida job fair will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.

While the job fair is free and open to all job seekers, priority access is given for the first hour to veterans and active service members as well as their military families, according to the news release.

Henry Ayala, a retired US Army and local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM, said in the release that Paychecks for Patriots is an opportunity to “connect with area veteran-friendly businesses that are currently hiring.” Ayala noted that employers taking part not only have jobs to fill but “value the knowledge, skills and abilities as well as incredible dedication developed during military service.”

Among the businesses that plan to attend are Cone Distributing, FedEx, Marion County Board of County Commissioners and SunTran. Additional features include:

• Free Job Fair Preparation Clinic, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at the Marion County CareerSource CLM Career Center, 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala. The center’s Clothes Closet is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge for those interested in selecting attire for the job fair.

• Job Fair Transportation Ocala SunTran has provided a limited number of tickets for veterans in need of transportation to and from the event. Starting Oct. 30, tickets will be available on a firstcome, first-serve basis at the CareerSource CLM

career center in Ocala as well as at Ocala Ritz Veterans Village, 111 NE 12th Ave.; Marion County Veterans Services Office, 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #100; and Silver Springs Shores VFW Post 4493, 11100 SE Maricamp Road, Candler. Food and refreshment will be available to all attendees, including general job seekers. For fastest access, attendees are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/2025P4P. Paychecks for Patriots takes place in partnership with FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Hope Florida and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The News Service of Florida

employers would simply redefine entry-level jobs as “internships.”

Aproposal to carve an exemption in the state’s voter approved minimum wage has resurfaced for the 2026 legislative session that begins in January.

Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview, on Oct. 17 filed a measure seeking to allow people to voluntarily accept pay below the minimum wage when employed in positions deemed a “workstudy, internship, pre-apprenticeship, or other similar work-based learning opportunity.”

A similar effort advanced through several committees in both chambers before stalling during this year’s legislative session.

Proponents argued the proposal would help people gain skills through entry-level work experience that isn’t available at the state’s minimum wage. Opponents countered that

OPINION: MARION COUNTY’S DIVIDE IS GROWING, AND IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT

By Chad Walker

MThose unable to attend Paychecks for Patriots may apply for open positions at employflorida.com. A special portal for Florida veterans is available at veteran. employflorida.com

CareerSource CLM offers Priority of Service year-round to veterans and eligible spouses at all career centers. Free staff assistance, job referral and placement, as well as resources and other employment services, are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Career Centers in Ocala, Lecanto and Chiefland.

For more information, call 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.

arion County has always been a place where people could disagree and still shake hands at the end of the day. Lately, though, it feels like those days are slipping away. The divide we’re seeing now isn’t just political, it’s personal. And it’s tearing at the fabric of a community that once prided itself on shared values of respect, hard work, and service.

You don’t have to look far to see the strain. Overdevelopment has been a growing concern for years, and not just from environmentalists or slow-growth advocates. It’s coming from everyday residents watching farmland turn to concrete and traffic clog the same roads we drive to work, school, and church. It’s about quality of life, not party lines. Yet when people speak up, they’re too often dismissed as “anti-growth” or “anti-progress.” That’s not true. They just want to be heard before another decision is made that changes their home forever.

Then came the County Commission’s decision to issue a proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk. For some, Kirk represents patriotism and faith. For others, he represents division and intolerance. The public debate that followed wasn’t just about a proclamation. It was about who our leaders choose to elevate and what message that sends to the people they’re supposed to represent. It reminded many of us that leadership isn’t about picking sides; it’s about listening to all of them.

A 2020 state constitutional amendment required gradual increases in the minimum wage. It is $14 an hour and will go to $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.

SHUTDOWN PAUSES JOBS UPDATE

Amid the federal government shutdown, the state Department of Commerce did not release monthly unemployment figures as expected on Oct. 17.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau and Department of Labor are not updating labor market and employment information during the shutdown, leaving the state’s jobless rate of 3.8 percent on hold, according to Florida Department of Commerce spokeswoman Kristin Gehrke.

“Florida’s release of employment data will recommence when the federal government resumes operations,” Gehrke said when asked about the latest numbers on Friday.

The state’s unemployment rate will stay at the level reported for August, which showed 424,000 Floridians qualified as unemployed from a workforce of 11.196 million.

On Tuesday, Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly said Florida is creating more businesses and leading in talent recruitment and development. Growth in skilled manufacturing jobs faces a challenge “explaining to young people why they want to get into skilled laborer jobs,” Kelly added.

“Most of these jobs are pretty high tech, exciting jobs,” Kelly told the House Careers and Workforce Subcommittee.

Of the 430,000 Floridians working in manufacturing, more than half are 45 and older, with many companies operating with a “lean” workforce — a situation that may continue through 2035, according to Kelly.

“Which is very disproportionately different than most of our other workforce sectors in Florida,” he said. “So, for all we’re doing, we’re just simply aging our retirements out of our manufacturing sector faster than people coming into it.”

LAKE COUNTY

CATTLE RANCH PRESERVED

Florida has agreed to spend $3.8 million to limit development on 1,254 acres in Lake County used for a cattle operation, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced on Oct. 17.

The deal involves purchasing a conservation easement on the land used by D & D Ranch, with money set aside in the state Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Conservation easements allow agricultural operations to continue while preventing development. The ranch is flanked by pasture, wetlands and citrus groves to the east and upland forest to the west.

The property overlaps a strategic corridor within the Florida Ecological Greenways Network and is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Lands to the south and west of the ranch are expected to be developed by 2040, according to a University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning report.

And that wasn’t the only flashpoint. The recent No Kings protest, born from a different issue altogether, showed how deep the tension in our community has become. People are frustrated, not just about one decision or one event, but about a pattern of choices that seem to value ideology over inclusion. It’s a reflection of the growing sense that we’ve stopped talking to one another and started shouting about one another.

Add to that Florida’s new open carry law, which allows for permit-less concealed carry, and you have a recipe for heightened tension. I respect the Second Amendment as much as anyone who’s ever worn a uniform, but I also know that rights come with responsibilities. When people already feel unsafe, unheard, and divided, loosening restrictions without the balance of training or accountability doesn’t make us safer. It makes us more volatile.

What’s most concerning is how some local leaders are leaning into that volatility. Fear and outrage are powerful campaign tools. It’s easier to win votes by stoking resentment than by doing the hard work of building bridges. But shortterm political gains come at the cost of long-term community trust. We’re seeing it now: neighbors talking past one another, families divided, and a sense of exhaustion setting in across the county.

The truth is, Marion County deserves better. We deserve leaders who are willing to stand in the middle and take the hits from both sides if it means moving us forward. We deserve policies that protect what’s special about this place, our natural resources, our small-town feel, and our sense of belonging, while planning responsibly for the growth we know is coming. We deserve to be treated as citizens, not pawns.

Our path forward isn’t through louder arguments or longer Facebook comment threads. It’s through conversation, collaboration, and a commitment to common ground. We don’t need more kings, more symbols, or more political theater. We need more community.

Because at the end of the day, Marion County isn’t defined by the loudest voices. It’s defined by the quiet strength of the people still trying to do right by their neighbors.

Chad Walker is a Navy veteran, small business owner, and community advocate based in Ocala. He serves as the Post Service Officer for American Legion Post 27 and Director of VetNet Ocala, a nonprofit supporting Veteran entrepreneurship and community resilience.

Open carry rally draws crowd after ban found unconstitutional

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

People openly armed with holstered handguns and carrying rifles on slings attended an event on the Ocala downtown square on Oct. 18 but no one seemed alarmed, even law enforcement.

The event, hosted by Open Carry Florida,  celebrated a Florida court ruling in September which found that a ban on the practice of carry firearms — openly or concealed — by citizens over 21 without a felony conviction and within other guidelines was unconstitutional.

Andy Hallinan, a Second Amendment advocate for 15 years and founder of Open Carry Florida, carried a 9mm Sig sidearm.

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution states: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

“Anytime you have laws that restrict us less, it’s a good thing. I value every life equally and open display (of a firearm) shows everyone ‘I’ve got your back,’” Hallinan said.

Hallinan, who is involved in weapons instruction and training, said even if an attempt was made

to remove all guns in America, crime would still continue.

“We’d like to arm the good guys so the bad guys are outnumbered,” Hallinan said.

John Hymes wore a .40 caliber handgun. He stated he is a military veteran and has worked as an armed guard.

“Get training,” Hymes advised inexperienced gun owners.

Don Boyd wore a .223 caliber AR15 pistol.

“I was the last gunfighter hired at Six Gun Territory in 1984,” Boyd said.

Six Gun Territory was a recreation of an old west cowboy town, which included mock gun fights in the town’s Main Street.

Boyd, retired from his job with the U.S. Air Force as Director of the History and Heritage program at the Pentagon, called the ban on carrying firearms “unconstitutional.”

“We’ve been living under an unconstitutional law since 1987,” Boyd said.

One booth doing a brisk business during the event was selling T-shirts that read “right shall not be infringed,” which is a partial wording of the Second Amendment.

Jim Misky wore an M-4 .223 rifle.

“I believe in my rights. For open carry, for Trump,” Misky said.

Protesters urge unity, civility during No Kings rally

By Jennifer Hunt Murty

jennifer@ocalagazette.com

At least 1,000 people gathered the morning of Oct. 18 on the Ocala downtown square for the No Kings protest, a peaceful demonstration that participants said was aimed at raising awareness about rising authoritarianism and political division in the United States.

From 9 to 11 a.m., protesters lined the sidewalks holding handmade signs as passing cars honked in response — some in support, others not. At one point, a couple, while waiting in traffic in front of protesters, both raised their middle fingers toward the crowd along the sidewalk.

Protester Eileen Vanderloo smiled and responded, “I love you.”

When asked why, she said her message was simple.

“Because we’ve got to stop being separated,” Vanderloo said.

“This isn’t about red versus blue. This isn’t about somebody being evil. We’re all in this together, and we all have to live together. So, let’s live for each other instead of for the elites.”

Another demonstrator, Cynthia Mickell, questioned the city’s decision to permit the protest so close in time to the Open Carry Celebration, which was setting up on the square as the No Kings event was underway.

“It felt like an intimidation tactic,” Mickell said. “Why would the city permit both events almost back-to-back in the same space?”

To manage pedestrian safety, the city of Ocala

installed temporary fencing along the square and Silver Springs Boulevard to separate protesters from traffic. City officials also diverted vehicles from circling in front of the Hilton Garden Inn because of the large number of pedestrians gathered on the corners.

Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken said there were no arrests during the protest.

Participants said they came to express concern about threats to democracy and to encourage peaceful civic engagement.

Longtime resident Mark Register attended with his wife, Karen Register, who arrived in a wheelchair while recovering from a fractured leg. It was her first protest. The couple said they joined the event because they felt the country had changed from the one they grew up in.

“The America now is not the America I grew up with,” Karen Register said. “It’s not what our forefathers fought for, and it can’t continue. Everything about it is wrong.”

Mark Register said he was motivated by what he sees as an erosion of the rule of law.

“I’m against fascism, and I see it. It’s obvious to me,” he said. “Just the lack of support for our rule of law — it’s unbelievable.”

Some demonstrators wore costumes. One dressed as a marshmallow man carried a sign reading, “Make America Sweet Again.” Another wore an inflatable frog suit with a sign that said, “No Kings.” One woman was on horseback and carrying a Gadsden flag — a yellow banner depicting a coiled

Louie Ricardo, a local truck driver, wore a 9 mm Walther pistol. He wanted to show the public “how civil (gun advocates) are” and they’re not “Neanderthals.”

Meanwhile, some by-standers gave their views on open carry.

A young woman who identified herself as “Jade” said “stricter laws” are needed on gun ownership and that she does not believe in open carry.

Micheal Headberg was shot four times at point blank range by a person on drugs using a .45

caliber military style pistol about 40 years ago in Miami when he was age 17. He was hospitalized for almost three months, suffered organ damage and lost part of one lung. He raised his shirt to show his scars.

Headberg said he occasionally carries a pistol for self-defense but feels “we live in a society which celebrates violence.” He

said he feels some open carry proponents don’t know or don’t consider the physical and emotional impact of gun violence.

“Carrying or using a firearm is a huge responsibility and possibly a liability,” Headberg said.

rattlesnake above the phrase “Don’t tread on me.” Despite a few heated conversations erupting among

Sauce company

quality ingredients and complex flavor profile that balances smoky, sweet and savory notes. The sauce quickly gained a following through local restaurants, festivals and word of mouth before landing on Publix shelves.

Kelly said that when they returned from the competition, they started making bottles for friends to taste. When the response came back strong, they decided to test the market to see what the demand would be at a local retailer called Your Heart’s Desire.

“Once we started producing one sauce, others evolved,” Kelly remembered.

The Juarezes expressed gratitude for several other small family-owned businesses that helped them along the way.

A husband-and-wife team, Valery Valero and Romulo Martinez, who own the marketing firm Create 180, have been helping to market the brand for four years.

“When we learned about a chance to present the sauce to Walmart, I called Jose and said, ‘You all are ready. You should do this,’” Martinez said.

Walmart’s open call drew 2,500 suppliers with more than 6,000 products — but only 575 were invited to pitch their items at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“We received notification that we were accepted to present our product to Walmart on April 30,” Juarez said. “After the presentation, Walmart notified us that on Sept. 2, they would let us know their decision.”

That message came with good news.

“On Sept. 2, we received the email letting us know that we were chosen to go to Bentonville and be part of the Walmart Open Call on Oct. 8,” he said.

Juarez and his wife loaded up their RV and made the long drive from Ocala.

“Our set time to present was Oct. 8 at 1:15,” Juarez said with a laugh. “Kelly and I both did the presentation — we brought food we made at the campsite the night before. She did a great job. We were able to play off each other with our 40 years of

experience. We delivered the message to Walmart and closed the deal.”

The presentation lasted about 20 minutes and ended with a handshake that marked another milestone for the family business.

Coincidentally, while the couple was still in Arkansas, Juarez said he received an online order from a customer just 20 miles away.

“We could tell from the order that the person was likely going to be cooking a whole hog, and I had the product with me,

By Arthur Miller

so I called him and made the delivery in person,” Juarez said.

Juarez’s video on how to cook a whole hog using his mojo and rub — products currently sold only online — continues to generate steady orders.

Scaling up for a retailer as large as Walmart, Juarez said, is both an honor and a challenge.

“Our sauce isn’t mass-produced — it’s crafted,” he said. “It takes a lot of care and a certain process that’s hard to duplicate in bulk. But that’s what makes it great.”

One key local partner in that process is Prima Foods, owned by Celeste and Hector Vitale, who have more than 30 years of experience in sauce manufacturing.

Celeste said every attempt to make the product faster or cheaper failed.

“It’s very exclusive; the ingredients and process can’t be changed,” she said, laughing that, “We joke that we’re Jose’s home away from home.”

She credited the Juarezes’ persistence.

“It’s hard when people expect an overnight success,” she said. “One of the perks of working with a company like ours is that we can do smaller batches because when you’re developing a product, you don’t want to tie up money in inventory when you need to spend it on marketing. And Jose is great at marketing.”

The Juarezes have spent eight years promoting their product across the state. Martinez said working with them has been “refreshing.”

“They aren’t transactional,” he said. “They care who buys their sauce and how they’re going to use it — even offering personal advice. That level of personal attention makes them unique.”

Another local family-owned business, Phillips Printing, helped with packaging and labels.

“Phillips helped us design our labels and order them,” Juarez said. “I’ll never forget our first big Publix order — it was going to be picked up the next day, and we were down to the wire with labeling. Jodi and Stacie [Phillips] said, ‘We’ll come do whatever we have to do.’ And they did.”

Stacie Phillips said the partnership soon became a friendship. “My husband Jody grills, and he loves using their products,” she said.

For Juarez, the Walmart deal is more than a business milestone — it’s proof that hard work and authenticity still stand out.

“We’re proud to represent Ocala and to show that a local product with heart and quality can stand out even on the biggest shelves in America,” he said.

455 Sauce and other products are available online at 455Sauce.com and now in select Publix and Walmart stores across Florida.

TEDxOcala set for Nov. 8

The 11th annual

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Get ready to pivot, Ocala and Marion County.

That’s the theme of this year’s TEDxOcala event, which will take place Nov. 8 at the College of Central Florida TEDxOcala, an independently organized TED event, has announced that its 11th annual

event

will bring more than a dozen speakers to explore the theme of ‘Pivot.’

event theme, “Pivot,” will explore how shifts in thinking, identity, community and industry can create powerful change, both personal and collective.

“Each year, TEDxOcala challenges us to grow and evolve. As we celebrate our 11th year with the theme ‘Pivot,’ we’re reminded that progress often begins with a single courageous shift. We strive to make every event better than

the last — more inspiring, more impactful and more connected to our community,” said Manal Fakhoury, licensee and curator of the event.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment and design converged and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Independently run TEDx events like the one in Ocala help share ideas in communities around the world.

At TEDxOcala 2025, guests will hear from thinkers, creators and changemakers who’ve embraced the art of the pivot — those who dared to shift course and discovered something extraordinary on the other side. Together, we’ll explore how pivots

can disrupt industries, heal communities, ignite movements and transform lives, because sometimes, the most powerful step forward begins with a turn, notes the event website.

From a pool of more than 200 applicants from across the United States and internationally, TEDxOcala selected this lineup of speakers and topics: Ibrahim Awad – Unchosen Identity Chad Carden – Perception to Perspective Mitchel Roth – Pivoting of Inmate/Staff Roles Ike Anderson – Unmasking Effect

• Madinah Wilson-Anton –Authenticity/Clean Humor

• Richard Corey – Legal Reasoning for Life Changes

• Matt Parr – Understanding Stem Cells Allen Simmons – Soft Skills Melanie Klein – Antifragility

Yasmine Shahwan –Community as a Healing Model

• Lee Pepper – Business Strategy vs. Hustle

• Poornima Srinivasan –Blockchain Bartering

• Dennis Gonzalez – Assumptions and Consequences Jean Lowery – Power of Pivot John Berry – Carrying Unsubstantiated Guilt DeLon Canterbury –Deprescribing TEDxOcala will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CF campus at 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. Tickets include lunch and snacks. Parking is complimentary.

To learn more, go to tedxocala.com

Cardroom controversy heads to court

By Dara Kam The News Service of Florida

Jacksonville cardroom

Aoperator is alleging that state gambling officials lacked the authority to allow a tiny parimutuel permit holder in Hamilton County to expand to open a new poker room.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission, with no discussion, in June unanimously approved Hamilton Downs Horsetrack’s request to amend its permitted property.

Hamilton Downs drew attention nearly a decade ago for holding controversial “flag drop” horse races in which two horses ambled down a dirt path after a red rag on a stick was waved. An administrative law judge likened the races to an “entry-level campers’ horse show held at the conclusion of a two-week YMCA summer camp.”

Hamilton Downs offered the flag-drop races to fulfill part of state law requiring a certain number of horse races to be conducted to maintain its stateissued gambling license. The

races also allowed pari-mutuel operators to run more lucrative card rooms.

Due to changes in Florida law, Hamilton Downs doesn’t have to offer horse races any longer but still has a permit to operate a card room — which it hasn’t yet launched.

The proposal approved by gambling regulators authorized Hamilton Downs’ owners to place a cardroom on property adjacent to where the flag-drop races were held.

In a lawsuit filed last week, attorneys for Bestbet Holdings, Inc. alleged that nothing in Florida law allows Hamilton Downs “to conduct pari-mutuel operations, including a cardroom, at any location other than the location for which it was originally approved.”

The lawsuit, filed in Leon County circuit court on Oct. 13, argued that Bestbet, which operates three cardrooms in Jacksonville and Orange Park, “is in direct competition” with Hamilton Downs and “stands to lose revenue” if the Jenningsbased operator “is permitted to

relocate and/or expand.”

Florida law includes a handful of exceptions allowing parimutuel operators to expand or relocate, but Hamilton Downs does not meet any of the criteria, according to the lawsuit filed on behalf of Bestbet by attorney John Lockwood.

Appearing before the gaming commission in August, Lockwood asked the panel to reconsider its approval of Hamilton Downs’ request.

Allowing the card room at

the new location “exceeds the commission’s statutory authority” and “relies upon unadopted policy and creates regulatory and competitive consequences that are inconsistent with the integrity of Florida’s gaming framework,” Lockwood told commissioners on Aug. 6.

Lockwood also raised questions about whether a voter referendum would be required for Hamilton Downs to add a cardroom, under

Florida offers test site for flying cabs

By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue hope to land the next generation of air transport companies at a testing facility in Central Florida.

Perdue for years has championed advanced air mobility, which would involve establishing “vertiports” in urban areas that could serve as hubs for short aerial commutes by battery powered aircraft that have characteristics of airplanes and helicopters.

DeSantis recently saying he was “mildly excited” about the effort to reduce congestion along the I-4 corridor, Florida will first try to attract the growing technology to Polk County.

While few details were released, DeSantis and Perdue on Oct. 16 announced plans for an aerial test bed at the department’s SunTrax facility in Polk County.

The test facility will include two vertiports, which are take-off and landing sites for primarily electric vertical take-off and landing, “VTOL,” aircraft.

“The idea would be, if they could do this to scale, if they can make it economical, it would take some traffic off the roads, because people, they could cycle through with travelers on doing that. So, we’re just trying to have as many options as possible,” DeSantis said during an announcement that was focused on new express lanes on I-4 in Hillsborough County and a truck parking facility along I-4 in Polk County.

Once green-lighted from the

federal government, the VTOLs would be expected to provide short air transport “like an Uber” and potentially draw investments from deep-pocketed “Wall Street guys,” according to the governor.

“It’s not going to go from Miami to Jacksonville or Miami to Pensacola,” DeSantis said “It’s really within that 60 miles. And in areas where there is traffic, where you want to get from maybe one urban center to the next, it makes a lot of sense.”

The test facility will help the private sector quickly advance into the “age of flying cars” in Florida, Perdue added.

Perdue and DeSantis saw prototypes of the VTOLs in June at the Paris Air Show, an international aerospace trade fair and air show. Perdue said some of the prototypes are expected to get federal approval in 2026 for supervised trials.

“How can we support the private sector being successful? Speed to market,” Perdue said. “You cut through the red tape.

You give them the ability to start operating and operating quickly and become profitable. And this will be a new opportunity for Florida residents. So this is our goal.”

Perdue earlier this year encouraged lawmakers to support the establishment of vertiports in urban areas that could serve as hubs for short aerial commutes by battery powered aircraft that have characteristics of airplanes and helicopters.

“So, you can think about movies that you’ve seen that are science fiction. ‘The Jetsons,’ yeah, is one of those … that’s a classic. This is actually becoming a reality,” Perdue told members of the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee in February.

The Paris Air Show elevated DeSantis’ support in the hightech transport from “mildly interested” to “mildly excited,” the governor said.

“I mean, I do have questions too. But I think what we’re doing

makes a lot of sense, because, to the extent the industry has the ability to innovate, they’re going to want to do that in conjunction with SunTrax,” DeSantis said.

While attending the air show, DeSantis signed a wide-ranging transportation package (SB 1662) that in part required the transportation department to develop a plan for advanced air mobility with the Department of Commerce. The law also required advances in aviation technology to be included in the annual transportation work program.

The joint department plan also is aimed at identifying “corridors of need and opportunities for industry growth.”

In September, the Federal Aviation Administration launched a pilot program to advance the approval of air taxis that will involve at least five public-private partnerships with state and local governments to promote safe usage of VTOL aircraft.

Facing industry pressure, the FAA in January updated guidelines for the design of vertiport facilities, in part putting them in the existing category of heliports. A year ago, the FAA issued a final rule for qualifications and training of advanced air mobility instructors and pilots.

Attempts to establish regulations and oversight of the industry have struggled to gain traction in the Florida Legislature over the past few years.

Lawmakers in 2024 allowed the state Department of Commerce to consider applications for money under a new Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program for efforts to develop vertiports.

a constitutional amendment requiring voters to sign off on gambling expansions. He also asked whether it matters “if the permit holder actually operates.”

Such questions “are incredibly important to answer in this regulated industry,” the lawyer told the panel.

“However, none of these answers can be found in the Florida statutes because, simply put, there’s no provision of Florida law that authorizes this expansion,” he said.

The commission’s Hamilton Downs decision could have far reaching implications, Lockwood warned.

“This is a significant issue. We have parimutuel permits that border counties, including counties that have voted against having parimutuel wagering in their county. This decision could allow those operators to potentially expand into those counties that have not previously authorized parimutuel or cardroom gaming,” Lockwood said.

The commission refused his request, leading to last week’s lawsuit.

We know your life is busy and on-the-go. That’s why we’re making it quick and easy for you to get your screening mammogram in 30 minutes or less this September and October. With online scheduling, convenient locations and advanced cancer-detecting technology, there’s no reason to delay getting this lifesaving screening.

People, Places and Things

Art without boundaries

When it comes to her artwork, Michelle Curry is

By JoAnn Guidry

Asking artist Michelle Curry to pick her favorite medium is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child. A true multimedium artist, Curry displays her talents in oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils, pastels and graphite. Curry’s work includes landscapes to portraiture to still life. She moves with ease in various disciplines, including realism, impressionism, minimalism, abstract and figurative.

“Over my 40-year plus art career, I have worked at mastering many different mediums, pushing my boundaries to evolve my work,” said Curry, who is the current president of the Ocala Art Group. “Art is communication and sometimes one medium’s expression will be

better suited to what I want to convey in a particular piece.”

Born deaf in her left ear, Curry credits this with making her “pay attention and being sensitive to visual details that have played a role in developing my art.”

Curry’s mother was an artist, but it wasn’t she who pointed Curry down her artist’s path.

“My mother was actually a very good artist, and I found that a little intimidating. So, I really didn’t think doing art was for me,” shared Curry, who is originally from Michigan.

“But a high school art teacher introduced me to the ebony drawing pencil, and I just loved it. That was the beginning of pursuing art, and I’ve never stopped.”

Curry has associates of art degrees in graphic design and illustration from Kalamazoo

(Michigan) Valley College. She also attended the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, becoming a certified art docent.

“While raising my five kids, I worked at various odd jobs like a rural postal delivery person,” said Curry. “Later, I began teaching art classes and found another passion. I love teaching people to discover their art and to feel unlimited in whatever disciplines they want to pursue.”

For the past three years, Curry has taught 10-week fine art classes at the Chelsea Art Center in Ocala.

“My students bring their own supplies and work on their own pieces,” noted Curry. “I encourage them not to be formula artists, but to let their art grow.”

Always a nature lover, Curry finds much inspiration outdoors, with trees often figuring

a real

prominently in her work in all mediums. She works from reference photos but, if possible, will indulge in plein air.

“Sometimes I work on one piece at a time and other times, I have several pieces going at once,” said Curry. “I let each piece tell me it’s story in its own time.”

In “My Hiding Place,” a 17inch by 22-inch mixed-medium work of pastel, pencil and acrylic, a weeping beech tree is portrayed as a sacred space, with light streaming through its branches and leaves. “Today’s Garden,” a 24-inch by 30-inch oil on canvas features a garden of orange, blue and white flowers being overseen by a small little girl statue with her hands on her hips, willing the flowers to bloom.

A golden field and a small tree with a few red autumn leaves are accentuated by a line of Zen

multi-tasker.

rocks in “Random Planning,” a 9-inch by 12-inch colored pencil on paper piece. “The Great Aged Beech,” an 18-inch by 24-inch watercolor on paper, lives up to its name as the grand tree towers upward with garlands of ivy weaving through its branches.

Curry shows her whimsy in the imaginative “Dragonfly Dreams,” a 16-inch by 20-inch acrylic on canvas. The bright blue dragonfly is hovering around a lavender wildflower in a dreamy setting straight out of a children’s book.

“Art isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am,” shared Curry. “Doing my art and teaching art is not a job; it’s a calling for me.”

For more information, go to mcurryarts.com

Historic venue, historic holiday event

The annual Grace Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar is

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

It’s time once again for the annual Holiday Bazaar hosted by the historic Grace Episcopal Church in downtown Ocala.

Grace Episcopal has roots in Ocala that extend back to six families worshiping together in 1849, only four years after Florida became a state. The church building was originally a few blocks away from the current location. In 1904, a skilled crew of five carpenters carefully disassembled the entire building, timber by timber, and used horse-drawn wagons to transport it to be reassembled on a new property on East Broadway, where it still stands today, according to the church website.

And the annual Holiday Bazaar has its own signature history, having gotten started nearly 80 years ago.

“In the 1940’s several Grace Episcopal Church members, or ‘Gracers’ formed a ladies guild. They would gather often and found common interests in creating handcrafted items and soon became known as the ‘Glitter Girls,’ with one remaining Glitter Girl still alive,” noted current members via an email exchange.

“With many handcrafted holiday items created, the Holiday Bazaar began, with items sold to benefit local outreach ministries. Soon, the felt sequined stockings and tree skirts became sought after items by generations of Ocalans. Lifelong Grace member Jaye Baillie is just one of the many locals who treasure their handmade Glitter Girl stockings. This year, the last surviving Glitter Girl donated a pre-loved, hand-beaded tree skirt, which will be a featured item in the

set for Nov. 7 and 8.

2025 Holiday Bazaar’s silent auction,” the members noted.

This year’s event, the 78th annual, will begin with a Ladies Night Out from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7, with wine and cheese and a first chance to shop, all for a $5 donation. The Holiday Bazaar continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8, with free admission. Items for sale will include handmade holiday items such as ornaments, wreaths and more; pre-loved holiday decor and jewelry; a bakery/coffee shop; and delicious frozen meals to-go (single serve and family size).

More than 15 raffle items will include a Painting Party for four by Julie Shealy of Studio B, a Betty Cake, $100 gift certificate to La Cuisine, an annual subscription of fresh flower bouquets, themed baskets and much more, at $20 for six chances or $5 per chance.

New this year will be sales of a “Let’s Say Grace” cookbook of recipes submitted by church members.

“The cookbook is a compilation of family recipes passed down from generations, from family celebrations and more. Several

recipes in the book include a story of how the recipe evolved. There also is an ‘in memoriam’ page and

Submitted photos

three recipes of Grace matriarch Ann ‘Miss Ann’ Anderson, who passed away this year. There’s a section of recipes that we know children will love, and drawings from children throughout, as well as recipes to create crafts for children to play with, such as slime and play dough,” the email message shared. The price of the cookbook is $25. Proceeds from cookbook sales as well as the entire Holiday Bazaar itself will benefit Interfaith Emergency Services and the Ocala Farm Ministry. The bazaar will be held in the Parish Hall of the church, located at 505 SE Broadway St., Ocala.

To learn more, go to graceocala. org or call (352) 622-7881.

Safe trick-or-treating tips

Staff report

Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats.

Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween and following these guidelines can help.

*Make sure costumes are

short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag the ground.

* Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.

* Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to

improve visibility and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.

* Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-ortreaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.

* Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-ortreating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.

* Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a

quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.

* Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that

compromise vision.

* Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.

When should children trick-or-treat without adult supervision?

Staff report

Kids go through many rites of passage throughout childhood. There is the first time they go to school and leave parents behind for several hours per day. Another rite is sleeping over at a friend or family member’s house or even summer camp. Still another may be being allowed to attend a movie alone with a friend.

Small rites of passage signify a child is getting older and is ready for more responsibility and trust. Such may be the case when parents conclude that their children are ready to engage in Halloween fun without an adult chaperone.

There is no set age when a child can walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating unattended. Just as with other tests of responsibility, such as staying home alone or being able to ride bikes with friends, it is up to parents to gauge their youngsters’ readiness.

Halloween for older children often is less about candy and more about hanging out with friends. Therefore, parents probably needn’t worry that their kids will be traveling solo since a large group of children will likely be visiting homes together. Many parents find that anywhere between ages 11 and 13 are good times to let their children go trickor-treating with friends. However, this decision may be based on several factors.

*Time of day: It’s best to limit a firsttime trick-or-treating without parents to daylight hours. What looks familiar during the day may be less familiar after sunset. It’s generally safer for kids to be out and about before night falls.

* Other participants: Parents should weigh the personalities of their kids’ friends as well. For those who are assured that others in the group are mature and responsible, there’s no need to continue to clip the proverbial wings of trick-or-treaters. But if parents are leery of any shenanigans that may take place, it may be better to wait things out a little longer.

* The neighborhood: Is the area relatively safe with limited vehicle traffic? If so, then parents may feel more comfortable letting kids on the younger range of that age spectrum trick-or-treat without them. Urban neighborhoods or ones where houses are separated by a lot of land may warrant some adult supervision.

* Constant contact: Parents who utilize GPS apps to keep tabs on their children’s whereabouts may feel more comfortable letting them trick-or treat with friends. These apps will show exactly where the child is at the time and can trace the route kids take. Many children get smartphones while young, which can alleviate concerns about getting in touch or keeping track of kids left to their own devices.

When to let kids go out trick-or treating without adults is a decision each family needs to make based on their unique circumstances and preferences.

How Brexit has impacted your trip to the UK

It’s been nine years since Brexit, when the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU). That decision sent shockwaves across Europe, and everyone — from pundits to economists to pub regulars — loved making predictions about the impact it would have. It took years to sort out the details, but now that the dust has settled, the consequences of the referendum are becoming clear, including the ways Brexit affects travelers.

On my recent trip to England, I chatted with B&B owners, tour guides, restaurant workers, barflies, taxi drivers, and museum docents — from bustling London to sleepy Ironbridge Gorge — asking how they felt Brexit has impacted tourism. Here’s what I learned.

First of all, Britain remains a rewarding, multifaceted destination. But compared to pre-Brexit times, visitors should generally expect longer lines, higher prices, and reduced hours at sights. Some of these headaches are the result of global factors, including lingering disruption from COVID and skyrocketing inflation. But many locals explained that in the UK, they've been exacerbated by Brexit.

The impact of Brexit is apparent as soon as you land. At the UK immigration checkpoint, there’s no longer a “fast lane” for European passport holders — meaning EU citizens now queue up with everyone else. This means longer lines.

Brexit has also changed the face of who's working behind the counter at many hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses. For decades, the British hospitality scene was fueled by young Europeans, especially from Central and Eastern Europe, who eyed the UK as a great spot to hold a summer job while brushing up on their English. Poles, Czechs, and Estonians checked you into your room and pulled pints in the local pub.

But now, since EU citizens need a visa to live and work in Britain, many are opting to take that summer job in Paris or Berlin instead. In their place, businesses are hiring workers from countries like India and Taiwan — because the UK’s Commonwealth ties and mobility schemes make it easier for their citizens to be employed. With an un-predicted twist, for a referendum that promised to “make Britain British again,” an international

workforce remains ... only the nationalities have changed.

Big cities like London still attract these workers. But the countryside is getting hammered. “We simply can’t get staff,” said the owner of a Yorkshire B&B I’ve long recommended. “We used to get a lot of Romanians who liked the idea of spending a summer surrounded by York’s history. Not anymore.” So, B&Bs are either closing altogether or trying to get by with a shoestring staff.

When sightseeing, you’ll notice how this staffing shortage also extends to the UK’s major attractions. Britain’s museums rely on international workers to help get through peak season. But these jobs often pay less than hotels and are therefore not as desirable...so the pickings are even slimmer. As a result, opening hours are slimmer, too.

“Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are

MAYO CLINIC

now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays,” explains Tom Hooper, a long-established English guide. “Even the British Museum shuts at 5 p.m. now.

Shorter hours mean fewer tourists, which leads to less income — so the staffing pinch becomes a financial squeeze for Britain's great sights, too.

After a busy day of sightseeing, Brexit will follow you to dinner. Like tourist attractions, many eateries are shortening their hours. For example, I discovered that a favorite restaurant I recommend in Warwick — which used to be open lunch and dinner — can no longer staff lunch. So, dinner it is.

And that dinner is more expensive. “Now that we’re not an EU country, we pay non-EU tariffs for EU goods," Tom told me. "Your local fish and chips might still cost roughly the same. But if you want Spanish ham, Italian wine, or French cheese, it’ll be more.”

Finally, if you’re planning to take home a souvenir from your trip, you’ll likely pay more for that, too. Before Brexit, non-EU visitors (including Americans) could get a VAT refund — effectively a 20 percent discount — on eligible souvenirs bought in the UK. But that was an EU perk. Now, it’s full price for your British scarf or soccer jersey. In short, Brexit hasn't "ruined" traveling in Britain — but it has added some wrinkles. Chatting with locals, I heard many takes. Some blame the referendum for everything, while others point to the role played by new technologies, global trends, and the pandemic. Of course, the truth is complicated, and each of these has contributed in its own way. But regardless of who I spoke to — whether they voted to "Remain" or to "Leave" — most agree on one thing: “It’s not the Brexit we thought we’d be getting.”

Intermittent fasting: Helpful practice or health risk?

Mayo Clinic Q & A

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My friend swears by intermittent fasting since her recent weight loss. I know it works for some people, but is it actually healthy?

ANSWER: Although it may appear to be a new trend, intermittent fasting has been popular for over 1,500 years. While we know that it works for some people to lose weight, the reality is that whether or not it helps organs such as the heart is still to be determined. Early research presented at a recent scientific meeting suggested that intermittent fasting might be harmful or risky in general. It showed that people practicing intermittent fasting are twice as likely to

die from heart disease or die in general than those who don’t practice.

The main problem is that intermittent fasting is not standardized. There are many ways to do intermittent fasting. Over the past few decades, it has been popularized in the UK as “eat whatever you want for five days, then don’t eat for two full days other than fluids and soups.” People were losing weight, and from that point on, people started adapting to fasting in very different ways.

Some people will restrict their time for eating to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for example. The most common form of intermittent fasting I have seen is that people just skip breakfast.

Whether breakfast is “the most important meal of the day” is still under debate.

Skipping breakfast historically hasn’t been something necessarily healthy. It is not fully understood why, but there are numerous studies showing that people who skip breakfast have an increased risk for heart disease and other ailments. Early morning is the time when people have the most heart attacks. Part of the reason for that is the high-adrenaline state that occurs early in the morning. If you match that with no food, no calories at all, that might be the reason why studies show that people practicing intermittent fasting are not necessarily healthier or safer. I

think that’s important to keep in mind.

People who lose weight through intermittent fasting can benefit their overall health, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to continue with intermittent fasting forever. We have to consider many other factors when people don’t have breakfast or other meals. Stress hormones go up, which may increase blood pressure and adrenaline, causing many changes in our system that might actually be more harmful than beneficial.

When patients ask if intermittent fasting is healthy, the response should be, “It all depends.” If they start skipping dinner, having very light dinners

Saturday, November 1

or just trying not to have dinner too late, that’s an excellent way to practice. Or perhaps having a very light lunch or skipping lunch altogether — just not necessarily going for too long with no food.

Studies show that having multiple small meals throughout the day versus just two big meals results in better cholesterol and many other positive changes in the metabolism. So, this idea of not having any food or calories for long periods of time is still under debate. Based on recent evidence, intermittent fasting is particularly unsafe for patients with heart disease. Practicing intermittent fasting can be safer with supervision from your healthcare team.

Enjoy free admission from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. as part of Free First Saturday! Explore the galleries and Artspace, and don’t miss live performances by the seven-piece swing band Swing Theory in the auditorium at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Seating is limited to 250 guests per show on a first-come, first-served basis. Food trucks will also be on-site throughout the day. Scan the QR code for details.

FTBOA announces newest Hall of Fame class

Brock Sheridan Special to the Gazette

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association recently announced the latest class of industry leaders to be inducted into the FTBOA Hall of Fame on Oct. 24 in a private reception with the board of directors.

The FTBOA Hall of Fame began in 1968, with a second induction in 2004. The Hall of Fame was created to acknowledge the outstanding industry stakeholders who have been instrumental to success of Florida thoroughbreds worldwide.

The honorees include Arthur I. Appleton, Fred Brei, Gilbert Campbell, Donald Dizney, Jack Dreyfus, John Franks, Joseph LaCroix, Leonard Lavin, J. Michael O’Farrell Jr., Tim Sams, Harold Plumley, Michael Sherman, Peter Vegso, Charlotte Weber and Louis Wolfson.

Appleton was the founder of Bridlewood Farm with his wife Martha. The 1991 Florida Breeder of the Year, Appleton is responsible for 15 Florida-bred champions, including the 2001 Florida-bred Horse of the Year Forbidden Apple and the 2004 Florida-bred Horse of the Year Southern Image. He also produced six Florida-bred millionaires.

Brei, of Jacks or Better Farm, is the alltime leading breeder and owner of Florida Sire Stakes winners with 25 in each category. He swept divisions of the Florida Sire Stakes on three separate occasions and won the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) with Florida Horse of the Year Awesome Feather. Brei is represented by nine Floridabred champions and was awarded the 2004 Needles Award and 2015 Florida Breeder of the Year.

Campbell, of Stonehedge LLC, has been the Florida Breeder of the Year four times and among the top 10 leading breeders for more than 30 years. Stonehedge is the second-leading owner of Florida Sire Stakes

Charlotte Weber, the owner of Live Oak Stud was awarded the Acorn Conservation Award by Bernie Little, Horse Farms Forever President, left, and Mark Casse, a two-time Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer who trained Weber’s horse World Approval and many other of Weber’s winning horses, in Ocala on Nov. 23, 2021. Weber is among the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s newest Hall of Fame class. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

winners, with 17, and second leading breeder of Florida Sire Stakes winners with 18. Campbell bred Florida-bred millionaires Marlin and Blazing Sword and seven FTBOA champions.

Having bred and raised winners at his Double Diamond Farm in Ocala for more than 40 years, Dizney was a three-time president of the FTBOA. He owned and bred Florida-bred millionaires and Florida-bred champions Wekiva Springs and First Dude, both later becoming top Florida stallions. He also bred additional FTBOA champions Flora Dora and Collusion Illusion.

Dreyfus established the noted Hobeau Farm in Ocala in the early 1960s and was honored in 1976 with an Eclipse Award of Merit, thoroughbred racing’s highest honor. Florida-bred millionaires bred by Hobeau Farm include multiple graded stakes winners Delightful Kiss and Kelly Kip and his FTBOA Champions include Duck Dance, Step Nicely

and Kelly Kip. Franks, of Franks Farm, was Florida Breeder of the Year in 1993, 2003 and 2004; Eclipse Award Outstanding Owner in 1983, 1984, 1993 and 1994; and FTBOA leading owner by Florida-bred earnings from 2000 to 2003. His Florida-bred millionaires include Kissin Kris, Soldier’s Dancer, Halo American, Littlebitlively, Lady Tak, Kiss a Native and Silent Eskimo.

LaCroix, of Meadowbrook Farm, was Florida Breeder of the Year in 1989 and breeder and co-owner of Prized, winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) and earner of more than $2 million. Additional Floridabred millionaires bred by Meadowbrook include Machikane Allegro and Brocco, winner of the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and the 1994 Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Lavin was a longtime force in thoroughbred racing. He developed Glen Hill Farm into a prominent national operation. Glen Hill Farm won the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) with homebred One Dreamer. His Florida-bred champions include Effectiveness (2-Year-Old Filly, 1995), One Dreamer (Older Female, 1994), and Coil (Sprinter, 2012).

O’Farrell took over management of the family owned and operated Ocala Stud in 1971. Ocala Stud is the oldest actively working thoroughbred farm in Florida. Ocala Stud has been Florida breeder of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2018. The farm bred 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1)-winner Musical Romance, who was also the 2011 Eclipse Award Champion Female Sprinter and Florida Horse of the Year. The farm has bred an astounding 23 Florida-bred champions.

Sams, of Waldemar Farms Inc., bred Foolish Pleasure, the Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 1974 and Florida Horse of the Year. Foolish Pleasure won the 1975 Kentucky Derby, later being inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame. Sams

Ladle up a warm and hearty soup

As the days cool, autumn cooking starts to heat up. If soup hasn’t yet been on the menu, then now is the time to explore new recipes that can warm us up from the inside out.

Soup can be customized with flavors that evoke the spirit of autumn. Ingredients like pumpkin, warming spices like cinnamon and cayenne and peanut butter come together in this recipe for “Vegan Pumpkin Peanut Butter Soup,” courtesy of The National Peanut Board and Abra Pappa of “Abra’s Kitchen.”

Vegan Pumpkin Peanut Butter Soup

Serves 10

2 large leeks, sliced

1 tablespoon coconut oil

8 cups fresh pumpkin puree

I1 cup creamy peanut butter

4 cups vegetable broth

14 ounces coconut milk (1 can)

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Toppings: Sriracha sauce Vegan coconut yogurt

Fresh roasted pumpkin:

Purchase a “pie pumpkin” (also called a “sweet pumpkin”), which are typically around 2 to 4 pounds. On average, each “pound” will yield about 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise. Use a sharp spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

out all seeds and strings (reserve the seeds for roasting). Drizzle the pumpkin with olive oil, salt and pepper. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the pumpkin halves skin side down. Using the tip of a sharp knife, carefully place a few slits in the skin of the pumpkin. Roast in a 375 F oven for 40 minutes to 60 minutes. It will entirely depend on the size of your pumpkin. Remove from oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and set aside.

Pumpkin soup:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt coconut oil. Add sliced leeks and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 5 to 8 minutes or until leeks are soft and creamy. Add vegetable stock, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices to pot. Stir well to combine, and allow to simmer

Miso soup, a taste of Japan

just returned from Japan. Out of the many things I tasted and enjoyed was miso soup. Each meal was accompanied with this delicious dish. Every soup had its own distinctive taste — some richer and darker, some lighter. Sometimes it was served at the beginning of the meal and others toward the end of the meal. I prefer it at the beginning of a meal. While there are numerous miso soup mixes on the market, this recipe calls for making a dashi base first and then preparing the miso soup. The

dashi base is an infusion of seaweed (edible kelp) and bonito flakes that becomes a very flavorful stock. Once you try this, you’ll want to have the dashi available in your refrigerator for a quick and satisfying weekday meal. It’s best to locate an Asian market for these ingredients. Miso is a soybean paste, and there are a few types. Light yellow miso, called shiro miso, is used here for its slightly sweet flavor. You can also add tiny little clams to this soup. Other flavorings sometimes added to miso soup include sugar and rice wine, as well as dried seaweed.

MISO SOUP

Serves 4

For the dashi:

1/4 cup kombu flakes (seaweed)

5 cups water 1 cup bonito flakes

For the miso soup:

1/4 cup light yellow miso paste (shiro miso)

5 cups dashi

2 thin slices ginger

1 package enoki mushrooms, trimmed

1 cup 1/2-inch cubed firm tofu

2 tablespoons sliced scallions To make the dashi:

also bred Honest Pleasure, 1976 Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and Florida Horse of the Year.

Plumley established Plumley Farms in 1995, later breeding 2010 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1)-winner and Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter Dubai Majesty. She was also named Florida’s Champion Sprinter and 2-time Champion Older Female.

The Florida Breeder of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 1996, Sherman, of Farnsworth Farm, earned the National Eclipse Award for Outstanding Breeder in 1996, a year that he was also leading Florida breeder by money earned. He won Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) with Jewel Princess (1996) and Beautiful Pleasure (1999) and bred eight Florida-bred champions.

Vegso, of Vegso Racing Stable, was named leading owner by Florida-bred earnings in 2008. He bred 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)-winner Caledonia Road, later named Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Filly. His Florida-bred millionaires include Go Between, Silver Tree and Caledonia Road and he bred four Florida-bred champions.

Weber, owner of Live Oak Stud and Live Oak Plantation, has been Florida Breeder of the Year five times and leading owner seven times. Miesque’s Approval and World Approval each won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, were named Florida Horses of the Year and Eclipse Award champions. In 2017, Live Oak’s Win Approval became the only mare outside of Kentucky to be honored as the National Broodmare of the Year. Weber has bred 12 FTBOA Champions thus far. Wolfson, of Harbor View Farm, bred and raced 1978 Triple Crown-winner Affirmed, the Eclipse Award Champion Horse of the Year and 3-Year-Old Colt; the 1977 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt; and 1979 Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse; Florida’s Horse of the Year 1977-1979 and was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame.

for 15 minutes. Working in batches, add soup to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth, return to pot and taste for seasoning adding more salt if needed. Serve with a drizzle of sriracha and a spoonful of vegan (plain, unsweetened) coconut yogurt.on the waxed paper until the coating is firm. Store in a cool place.

Have a recipe you would like to share? Email us at recipe@ocalagazette.com

(Dreamstime/TCA).

1In a large saucepan combine the konbu with cold water. Heat the mixture on medium heat until the soup comes to a slow simmer and not a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for about 5 minutes.

Strain the konbu out of the broth and return it to another pan.

2Reheat the dashi, making sure not to bring it to a boil or it will become bitter. When it is

just beginning to simmer, remove it from the heat and add the bonito flakes. Once the flakes are submerged, let sit for 30 seconds.

Strain the dashi into a container or pan and use for miso soup. Refrigerate, covered, until using. For the miso soup:

1In a large saucepan combine the miso paste, dashi and ginger; whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer on medium-high heat. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to cook for about 3 minutes.

2Remove the ginger. Add the mushrooms, tofu and scallions and bring to a simmer. Cook another minute or until the tofu is heated through and the mushrooms are just cooked. Taste for seasoning.

3To serve: Ladle into serving bowls and serve immediately.

SOCIAL SCENE

Fifty and fabulous

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra opened its 50th season with glitz, glamour and great music.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS:

The many guests at the Oct. 18 opening of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 50th season pulled out all the stops when it came to elegant attire and stylish presentations.

And the symphony went above board in delivering its “Nights in the Garden of Spain” program, which featured acclaimed pianist José María Inglés as well as the United States premiere of María de Pablos’ “Castilla” and more, on both Saturday evening and for the Oct. 19 matinee performance.

“Opening night was a resounding success and a real testament to our community’s support of the OSO. Seeing our patrons for the first time each season is always exciting, but this opening weekend was uniquely special,” said Maestro Matthew Wardell.

“It was such a real privilege for me to take the stage with our musicians — truly the strongest group of players we’ve ever had. Our soloist, José, was sincere, such a nice person, and an incredible partner to make music with. I’m just very excited for the rest of this season and beyond — lots of growth ahead,” Wardell added.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to this anniversary season. A full house, an inspired program and a thrilling performance by Maestro Wardell and our musicians. It was wonderful seeing many longtime supporters of the orchestra, but also so many new faces in the audience experiencing the Ocala Symphony for the first time. What an exciting start to our 50th season,” noted Reilly Arts Center & Ocala Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Natalie McComb.

The OSO’s 2025-2026 season includes six subscription concerts and eight special events. The orchestra also has launched a new Music Box Series, in which musicians will host intimate chamber music experiences.

“Pops! Goes the Holidays” Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

“Romantic America” Jan. 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Jan. 23

“Film Music Spectacular” Feb. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 To Spring!” March 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and March 22, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. March 20

“I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland” April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and April 12, 3 p.m. with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. April 10

SPECIAL CONCERTS: Handel’s “Messiah” Nov. 23, 3 p.m.

“Symphony Under the Lights” Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.

“Nutcracker” with the Ocala Symphony Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

“Young Artist Competition Finals” Jan. 11, 2026, 3 p.m.

“Celtic Visions II” March 15, 2026, 3 p.m.

MUSIC BOX SERIES:

“Music Box 2: The Tritium Ensemble” Nov. 9, 3 p.m.

“Music Box 3: Kristen Stoner and the Flutes of the Ocala Symphony” March 1, 2026, 3 p.m.

Music Box 4: Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele” May 3, 2026, 3 p.m.

For more information, go to reillyartscenter.com/ocala-symphony

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Sports Trinity Catholic tops Union County Lucas powers Celtics to win over Tigers.

By Mark Pinson

Special to the Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic senior tailback Wyatt Lucas ran for 111 yards and scored two touchdowns, while the Celtics’ defense had two interceptions and a blocked extra point in a 17-6 win over Union County on Oct. 17.

The win, which was earned by overcoming a litany of penalties and mental mistakes, improved Trinity Catholic to 3-4 on the season, while the loss dropped Union County to 2-5.

“We got the win, but we have a lot of work to do,” said first-year Trinity Catholic coach Clint Hart. “The guys are still trying to gel and mesh. We had way too many penalties and mistakes and we have to get that fixed. Wyatt is a horse, and we just have to figure a way to get him the ball 15 to 20 times a game. We have some weapons on offense and it’s just putting them in the right place to be successful.”

The first quarter was a defensive battle with neither team able to generate any kind of offense. Union County forced Trinity Catholic to punt late in the period and a good return gave the Tigers the ball at midfield. Union County marched 50

yards in 10 plays with senior quarterback Cadenz Merriex tossing a 5-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Alec McClellon. Merriex completed 10 of 16 passes for 54 yards with two interceptions. The extra point was blocked by Trinity Catholic’s Christian Neal to leave the Tigers ahead by a score of 6-0 with 10:24 remaining in the second period.

Trinity Catholic wasted no time in answering as a good kick return gave the Celtics excellent field position at their 45. On first down, Lucas swept around right end behind solid blocking and raced untouched down the sideline for a 55-yard scoring scamper. The extra point by junior Andrew Leonard gave Trinity Catholic a 7-6 lead.

Union County went three-andout and was forced to punt. The Celtics drove 69 yards in six plays as senior quarterback Carter Schofield completed several passes and Lucas powered his way into the end zone from 9-yards out. Schofield was 6 of 13 passing for 37 yards with one interception. The point after by Leonard gave Class 1A Trinity Catholic a 14-6 lead with 3:23 remaining in the quarter.

On its ensuing possession, Union County marched down the field and scored on a 15-yard

pass play with 0.7 seconds left in the period, but the touchdown was negated by an illegal lineman downfield penalty against the Tigers. Merriex was sacked on the next play to end the threat and the half.

The third quarter was dominated by both defenses and numerous penalty flags on seemingly every play. Trinity Catholic put together a solid drive in the fourth period with Lucas gashing the Union County defense for big chunks of yardage. A third down end around failed to gain the necessary yardage and Leonard came on to boot a 37yard field goal to give the Celtics a little breathing room with a lead of 17-6 with 3:29 left to play.

Union County’s hopes for a miracle rally ended with an interception by Trinity Catholic sophomore safety Noah Kaylor. The Celtics ran out the clock to secure the victory. Trinity Catholic will host P. K.  Yonge in a crucial district game on Oct. 24.

“That’s a key district game and we need to be ready to play,” coach Hart said. “A win would put us in good shape for the playoffs.”

Government

OCT. 27, NOV. 3, 10, 17, 24

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.

NOV. 4 AND 18

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/ agendas-minutes

MULTIPLE DATES

MCPS town hall meetings

5:45pm

Marion County Public Schools Interim

Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer will host town hall gatherings, which are open to all.

• Nov. 13 – North Marion Middle School, 2085 W. CR 329, Citra Dec. 18 – Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon Anyone with questions can call (352) 671-7555.

OCT. 28, NOV. 4 AND 25

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 NOV. 12

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

Arts

OCT. 24-26

“Almost All About Eva” Online performances Unboxed Productions will present the historically accurate play about a woman who carved a unique life for herself despite hardship. The cast includes actors from around the county and Eva Lewis’ great-great-granddaughter has the lead role. The play airs online at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26. To register to view the play, go to unboxedproductions.org

OCT. 24-26

“Beware the House on Haunted Hill” College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 7:30pm Oct. 24-25; 3pm Oct. 26 CF theatre students invite the community to “come to the party … stay if you dare.” The show is a clever parody of the 1959 film, filled with twists, turns and a few special surprises. The set and costume designs evoke the spirit of old Hollywood camp, creating a look and atmosphere that will make audiences feel like they’re right in the movies. Learn more at cf.universitytickets.com

OCT. 25

Reilly Noir Series: UF Jazz Faculty with Special Guests

NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30pm

Jazz trumpeter and EVI virtuoso Scott Wilson is director of Jazz Studies at the University of Florida. With a global career spanning Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disney Sea and stages shared with legends like Stevie Wonder and Wycliffe Gordon, Wilson brings world-class talent and energy to every performance. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

OCT. 25-26

Ocala Arts Festival All around downtown Ocala 10am-5pm Fine Arts For Ocala, Inc. (FAFO) presents the annual showcase event, which is free to attend. More than 100 artists will have works on display, along with student art, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Learn more at fafo.org

OCT. 26

Ballet Magnificat!’s “The Call”

Community

OCT. 24

Tales from Six Gun Territory Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

3pm Saddle up for a Wild West ride with librarian Taylor Benson. Explore the history of the famous attraction and meet the cowpokes who made it happen. To learn more, call (352) 671-8551.

OCT. 25

Books, Balls and Blocks

Developmental Screening

Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, 2300 SW 17th Road, Ocala

10am-noon

The free event is for families with children from birth to 5 years old. While children play, parents/ guardians can complete an Ages and Stages Questionnaire to screen children for developmental delays. Help Me Grow care coordinators will provide families with information on community resources, events and programs to support children’s healthy development. For more information, call 352-3692315 or visit elc-marion.org.

Interfaith Emergency Services

Fashion Show

Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala

1-3pm See celebrity models wearing fashions from the IES thrift store, along with pop-up shopping, door prizes and more. Get details at iesmarion.org

Día de los Muertos 5K Baseline Trailhead Park, 4255 SE 58th St., Ocala

8am

The third annual event is organized by the Marion County Gator Club in partnership with Milestone Race Authority to raise scholarship funds for Marion County students headed to the University of Florida. Event participants are encouraged to wear costumes. To register, go to diadelosmuertos5kocala.itsyourrace.com

UniverseAbility Pageant and Miss Worldwide International 1985 Laurel Manor Drive, The Villages 5-9pm Organized by the nonprofit Champions for Champions, the event is a fundraiser for local programming. Get tickets at zeffy.com/ en-US/ticketing/champions-for-championsuniverseability-pageant-and-miss-worldwideinternational-fashion-for-a-cause

OCT. 27

Grave Tales Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick 10:30am The “Talking History” series continues with noted area historian Annabelle Leitner discussing northwest Marion County cemeteries and some of their “secrets.” Free to attend. To learn more, call (352) 438-2566.

OCT. 30

Legends Strike Back at Bowl2Build Bowlero Lanes, 1818 SW 17th St., Ocala

5:30-8:30pm Cosplayers are invited to bowl to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. Those who sign up early may be entered to win a prize. Go to ognitoforms.com/ HabitatForHumanityOfMarionCounty2/_ Bowl2BuildCosplay

OCT. 31

Trunk or Treat

Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon, 20826 Walnut St, Dunnellon 6-7pm The gallery joins with the city of Dunnellon to present the event, including a costume parade for kids and pets. Pets should be leashed. To hand out treats, sign up in advance by contacting the gallery at (352) 763-4048 or emailing rsacoop2016@gmail.com.

Hayrides and Harvest

Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center, 7575 SW 62nd Ct, Ocala 7pm The center and Beyond Us CDC present an evening that will include a hayride through the community, fall photo opportunities, snacks and treats, games and activities. Positive costumes welcomed. Learn more at revealingtruthocc.org NOV. 1

44th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Jacksonville Road, Ocala

10am-4pm The event is presented by The Cornerstone School. From professional chefs to hometown chili masters, teams will compete for the coveted title of Chili Grand Champion and you get to taste the results. Enjoy music, a family zone with inflatables and carnival games, and the 10th Annual Car Show. For details, go to marioncountychilicookoff.com

Oak Run Craft Fair 6951 SW 115th St., Ocala

9am-1pm Featuring handcrafted goods by talented 55+ residents, this event offers a curated shopping experience perfect for holiday gifting. Enjoy food from Lucky’s Kitchen, enter to win raffles and a LOTTO-size 50/50 and take advantage of the golf cart valet service. Visitors will receive a Passport to guide their journey through the fair. Gates will be open for easy access, with full security monitoring. To learn more, email oakrunambassadors@gmail.com NOV. 5

Free or low-cost mammograms

Mary Sue Rich Community Center, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

9am-4pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host the 3D Mobile

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm

Inspired by the humble life of Elisabeth Elliot, The Call is a ballet that shares the goodness of God through life’s joys and challenges. Get details at reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH OCT. 31

“Nocturne: A Show of Good Spirits exhibit opens

The Brick Gallery, 23 SW Broadway St. Ocala

The Marion Cultural Alliance invites the community to view its newest exhibit. Admission is free.

“Nocturne” will be on display through Oct. 31. For gallery hours, visit mcaocala.org

“The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers”

Florida Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala

8:30am-4:30pm weekdays

The Keeneland Library launched the exhibit, which follows the lives and contributions of Black horsemen and women and includes interpretive panels, photographs, artwork, artifacts and video interviews. To learn more, go to keeneland.com/keeneland-library/heart-turfracings-black-pioneers and ftboa.com

NOV. 1

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am

The event includes a musical performance by the seven-piece swing band Swing Theory. There are two showtimes: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Choose one showtime to accommodate more guests. Seating for each show is limited to 250 guests on a first-come, first-served basis. For the 11 a.m. show, auditorium doors will open at 10:30 a.m. For the 2 p.m. show, auditorium doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

Phantasmagoria XVI: Hauntingly Whimsical Tales

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm

Mammography bus to provide free or low-cost mammograms to women in the community who qualify with a household income that is less than or equal to 200% of the poverty level. All insurance plans accepted. To see if you qualify for screening, call (352) 629-0137.

NOV. 6

Dementia Caregiver Conference

CF Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-2pm Join Elder Options for its annual Dementia Caregiver Conference. The free event will feature great presentations, community resources, caregiver networking and lunch. Register at agingresources.org/ event/conference-ocala

Black Stallion Reading Project event Conway Arabians, 8894 NW Highway 320, Shiloh 5-8pm The Ocala Horse Alliance is hosting the event. Now in its sixth year, the program utilizes the

Join Phantasmagoria as they celebrate Edward Gorey’s 100th Birthday Year with a hauntingly whimsical journey through his most iconic tales. Featuring storytelling, dance, puppetry, music and more, this Halloween season production brings Gorey’s eerie yet enchanting worlds to life on stage. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

NOV. 2

CMC Fall Recital

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4pm Cheer on Community Music Conservatory students as they showcase their semester’s skills and talents in recital. This showcase will feature instrumental soloists and group class performances, with ticket proceeds supporting the CMC scholarship and programming fund. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

NOV. 8-9

Ocali Country Days Silver River Museum, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am-4 pm Visitors experience Florida of yesteryear with living history exhibits highlighting life during the 1800s. Pioneer cabins, old-time skills demonstrations, sugar cane syrup making, a blacksmith shop, wood-fired pottery kiln, live music vendors, food, crafts and more. This project is supported in part by the Marion Cultural Alliance. Admission $10 per person (children 5 and under free). The museum is inside Silver Springs State Park. To learn more, call (352) 236-5401 and go to silverrivermuseum.com

NOV. 15

Applaud the Arts 2025: Olympus Odyssey Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6-9pm Step into a world of myth and majesty as the Marion Cultural Alliance presents its 18th Annual Applaud the Arts, themed Olympus Odyssey, sponsored by The LILAC Foundation. Guests will embark on a celestial journey through creativity and community. The event will include MCA’s 2025–2026 Grant Recipients and winners of the MCA Art Awards in Service, Vision and Arts Education. Themed attire is encouraged. Get tickets at mcaocala.org

Party in the Park

Tuscawilla Park, 500 NE 9th St. Ocala Noon to 5pm Presented by Jenkins Auto Group, the free community event will feature a lineup of live music, food trucks, local arts and vendors. Don’t miss Florida’s favorite Allman Brothers Revue, Steeln’ Peaches, and dynamic duo, Harber Wynn, performing live on the Jenkins Outdoor Stage. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH DEC. 12

“Elements in Abstract” exhibition SouthState Bank Second Floor Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Bank hours Curated by Kayla Moffatt, resident artist at The MAX Ocala, the exhibition brings together 10 Florida artists—photographers, painters, fabric artists and illustrators—each interpreting the elemental forces of earth, water, air and fire through abstraction. To learn more, call (352) 480-0725.

THROUGH JAN. 18

“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott” Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala The exhibit features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer’s ongoing series, “The Human Pulse,” shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH FEB. 22

“Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty Ford-Smith’s Pinecone Quilts” Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Ford-Smith’s quilts are striking, contemporary interpretations of the traditional pinecone quilt, a form rooted in African American quilting practices dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

power of the horse to create a love of reading. In partnership with the Marion County Public Schools, the program annually provides over 3,200 fourth graders a copy of The Black Stallion - along with the opportunity to meet a real horse. The program is anchored by a 3.5 week in-classroom curriculum that focuses on reading, language arts, science, and geography and is approved by the Florida Department of Education. Get the details at ocalahorsealliance.com

NOV. 8

Family Caregivers Celebration

Ocala downtown square 9-11am Rizing Starz Inc., Elder Options and Quad Nurse, LLC., host the event. The goal is to showcase local caregiver support services, wellness resources and community advocates to foster community support and raise awareness for family caregivers. The event will include coffee and treats by TLC Coffee Enterprise, free mini massages to the first registered caregivers, door prizes and more. Learn more at rizingstarzinc.com

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.

IHMC Lecture Series

Dr. Dave Rabin

In “The Art and Neuroscience of Self-Healing and Learning ,” Dr. Dave Rabin, MD, PhD, explores the transformative potential of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections, adapt, and grow. This lecture delves into practical strategies for harnessing neuroplasticity to enhance learning, memory, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Rabin will cover techniques such as breathwork, touch, movement, and the use of psychedelics and wearables, to facilitate personal growth and address mental health challenges like trauma, depression, and stress. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing brain function to build new habits, acquire skills, and long-lasting resilience.

Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is the co-founder & Chief Medical Officer at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientificallyvalidated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, relaxation, and access to meditative states by delivering gentle layered vibrations to the skin. In addition to his clinical psychiatry practice, Dr. Rabin is also the Executive Director of The Board of Medicine, and a psychedelic clinical researcher currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant mental illnesses.

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B9

Answers: At 7'4" tall and 500 pounds, clothes shopping for Andre the Giant was — SIZABLE PROBLEM