Ocala Style

Returning to Key West after 25 years, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard stories of endless parties and crowds, and worried that the island’s soul had been replaced by bar crawls and bachelor antics. Personally, I prefer art, history and being out on the water, not foam parties. But I was pleasantly surprised. Traveling solo through the Keys, I felt safe and welcomed every step of the way.

Most of my family has been blessed with good genes and long lives. I am practically a clone of my father, and he lived to the age of 96. I’ve been healthy, and lucky, most all of my life. The problem is these things can give one a false sense of invincibility.

A gentle breeze ruffles the leaves of trees that offer shading respite all around the old farmhouse in northwest Marion County that was crafted from fieldstones, natural woods and the sweat of some brothers from Germany. This home has harbored people from many walks of life, including farmers, artists, chefs and now, a trio of Renaissance women who are nurturing the spirit of creativity that is innate to the edifice itself as well as its surrounding pastoral acres.

Oh, my! All those ladies in beaded dresses and wearing flashy jewels; and guys in suits and hats. What a retro blast of a benefit! The Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center’s spring fundraising event, with a Roaring ‘20’s gangster theme, took place April 6 at the Reilly Arts Center NOMA Black Box. Actors from The Murder Mystery Company performed an interactive murder mystery while guests enjoyed a buffet dinner. It looked like the guests had a bang-up time, and all for a good cause.

This year’s series has been blessed with good weather, which means hundreds of people have come to Webb Field in the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex at1501 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, every Friday night since March 14. In addition to live music from a wide variety of performers, there has been dancing, camaraderie, food trucks, interactive activities, spotlights on local nonprofits and live painting sessions led by professional artists.

The foundation’s elegant soiree on March 8 at the Circle Square Cultural Center at 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala, offered festive fun and recognitions for many local causes and individuals. Numerous accolades were given, including Frank DeLuca named Philanthropist of the Year and Stan Hanson being given the Frank Martin Hennessey Legacy Award.

We’ve gotten through a few frosty nights and even had a couple of hard freezes this year. By now, though, our yards, lawns and plants should begin to recover. The drab browns and grays we lived with in January and February hopefully have given way to that oh-so-specific pale green of new leaves on trees and shrubs.

The inaugural Children’s Charity Classic will help 10 local nonprofits further their goals in supporting Marion County children in the areas of education, financial stability and health. Photo courtesy HITS Horse Shows Ocala The Children’s Charity Classic is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting the needs of Marion County children in education, financial stability and health.

Three of the things Jose Juarez is best known for are his love of family, including his wife Kelly, cooking and cars. He also is a businessman, volunteer and active member of his church, as well as a television star, having won America’s New Grill Star, hosted by the Live with Kelly and Michael Show. His winning creation, The BarbaCuban Sandwich, was made with his 455 Sauce, born from his love of Caribbean flavors and named after the engine in his GTO.

Of all the clothes I own, the colorful patchwork jacket is the most unique. It is handmade, lightweight and in no way subtle. It stands out among my wardrobe with its colors and bold geometric patterns. There are red, yellow and orange bands on a green background. This is a jacket for special occasions. When worn, it attracts compliments, questions and usually a stare or two.