VOLUME 6 ISSUE 45
Behind the scenes of music history
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November 14 - 20, 2025
Pace Center for Girls in Marion County to close in December By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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fter more than two decades serving local students, the Pace Center for Girls of Marion County will close its doors on Dec. 19, due to “the myriad of challenges facing this center,” according to an announcement from the organization. “This decision was incredibly difficult and made only after a thorough
evaluation of our center’s health including enrollment, staffing, academic outcomes and financial sustainability,” said Yessica Cancel, interim CEO of Pace Center for Girls, in a press release issued Nov. 5. “We first shared this news directly with the girls and families we serve, our dedicated staff and trusted partners— those closest to our mission. Their support and understanding have been invaluable during this transition,” she said. Founded in 1985, Pace Center for Girls
operates in multiple Florida counties and claims to have served more than 40,000 girls statewide, providing trauma-informed academic and counseling support that has been recognized nationally. According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Pace Center for Girls is “a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) day program offering year-round counseling, academic and life skills services for girls ages 12–17 who are at-risk of entering the juvenile justice system, failing or
dropping out of school, running away or experiencing difficulty at home.” Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer confirmed the district has begun notifying the schools where the 56 enrolled students are zoned that the girls will be returning to public schools in January. The organization said it will continue to help families connect to other local mental See Pace Center, page A10
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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Val Diers, Hank Gibson and Kevin Creahan, left to right, all Navy veterans out of Jacksonville, pilot their Nanchang Chinese Air Force aircraft into Leeward Air Ranch to join The Humble Squadron for the flyover during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
Salute to veterans
Students and others, including the Humble Squadron, pay tribute to Ocala/Marion County military personnel. The Humble Squadron comes into formation over Leeward Air Ranch as they prepare to fly their Honor Flight over the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Nov. 11, 2025. Eight pilots of the eight Nanchang Chinese Air Force aircraft met at Leeward Air Ranch to debrief and get ready before the flyover. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
tudents from 23 Marion County Public Schools and members of the public gathered at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor veterans who served and sacrificed. An estimated 2,000 people attended the annual MCPS Veterans Day event, which saw students join in for patriotic songs and tributes to veterans of the country’s armed forces. “This means a lot,” said U.S. Army veteran Jerry Arthur of Ocala, who served in the Vietnam War with the 8th Battalion 6th Artillery. Kevin Christian, MCPS director of public relations, served as moderator for the event, which opened with the posting of the colors by the Ocala Police Department and MCPS JROTC color guards. The attendees were led in the pledge of allegiance by Hillcrest School students Javia Blunt and Austin Lassiter. The Canto Cats group from Forest High School sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and Shady Hill Harmony sang a patriotic medley which included “This Land is Our Land” and a “You’re A Grand Old Flag” (US Coast Guard and Collins arr.). Military representatives and families placed a commemorative wreath and Ocala Police Department officers gave a 21-gun salute. The North Marion High School Jazz Band played patriotic songs including “Stars and Stripes Forever” and Kymora James with NMHS Jazz Band played taps. MCPS Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer spoke and thanked all veterans, including 263 who work with MCPS. “Here in Marion County we take great pride in our deep roots of service and sacrifice. Our community is home to thousands of veterans—men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform with courage and integrity,” Brewer said. Brewer said the “legacy of veterans” lives on through the youth. “You have given them the gift of freedom, the opportunity to learn, to dream and to build brighter futures,” she said. Brewer thanked veterans for “your sacrifice and your example.” See Salute to veterans, page A3
Foundation event honors area nonprofits More than 100 organizations received Give4Marion funds and 26 were noted for completing a year-long academy.
By Lauren DeIorio President/Executive Director, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County
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he Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County hosted a special celebration on Nov. 10 to honor the accomplishments of local nonprofits that continue to strengthen and inspire our community. The event recognized the 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduates and the
outstanding success of Give4Marion 2025, Marion County’s 33-hour giving event. During the ceremony, 26 nonprofits were honored for completing the yearlong Nonprofit Excellence Academy. The academy is a program designed to build organizational capacity, strengthen leadership and ensure long-term sustainability. Special recognition was See Foundation event, page A5
Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, right, receives her award for perfect attendance in the Nonprofit Excellence Academy from Jeannie Rickman, economic development coordinator for Congresswoman Kat Cammack, left, as, second left to right, Wendy Kebrdle of Wear Gloves, Myles McConico of Veterans Helping Veterans and Lauren DeIorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, look on during the Nov. 10 event. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
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INSIDE:
Ocala roads study......................... A7 Veteran hall of fame..................... A8 Hotel Marion............................... A10 Women United.............................. B3 Calendar......................................... B8
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