![Lilly Baron, center, pets the marble statue of Molly, that Nilda Comas sculpted during the unveiling ceremony at the Citizens Service Center in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The late Molly was the ambassador of Molly's Law, the Animal Abuser Registry. The ordinance is named for Molly, an American Boxer mix, who was brutally stabbed and beaten with a wooden bat by Steven Scott Fleming in 2014. Lilly Baron, the SPCA of Ocala President adopted her. Nilda Comas created the marble statue from stone taken from the caves of Michelangelo in Italy. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.](http://pgn.ef7.mytemp.website/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/SS_Opener_StatueUnveiling-q8q5nx50spbyvptcngsfswwulsdg8d2jl9s0xpbqg6.jpg "Molly Statue Unveiled – STYLE")
Lilly Baron, the longtime human companion of Molly, the ambassador of the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry, is shown with the marble statue of the dog that was unveiled on June 7. Behind her, from left, are attorney and animal advocate Peggy Hoyt, County Commissioner Kathy Bryant (obscured from view, State Rep. Stan McLain), Sheriff Billy Woods and sculptor Nilda Comas, who created the statue of Molly at her studio in Italy.
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
Statue Unveiling
CITIZENS’ CIRCLE
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Hundreds of people joined Lilly Baron, the longtime human companion of Molly, the ambassador of the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry, for the June 7th ceremony to unveil the gorgeous white marble statue of the late beloved canine, which was crafted by sculptor Nilda Comas.
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Festival of Tables
ST. MARK GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The Pan Hellenic Society of Greater Ocala’s luncheon and auction fundraiser on May 20th, to benefit the Food 4 Kids backpack program, featured lavishly decorated tables with themes such as the holidays, fall, patriotism, the 1950s, Mardi Gras and others.
Ocala Tiki Fest
CITIZENS’ CIRCLE
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
It was all about the loud Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and refreshing beverages during the inaugural event on May 27th in downtown Ocala, hosted by Ocala Main Street and The Tipsy Skipper. The event included entertainment, vendors and, of course, samplings of rum.
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Laying of Wreaths
OCALA/MARION COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
The Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation hosted the tribute on May 29th to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, including several from Marion County. The event included the laying of a wreath, playing of taps, speeches and a flyover.
Juneteenth Celebration Dinner Dance
ONE HEALTH CENTER
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
This annual fundraiser is presented by Reach, Aim, Motivate and Lead (R.A.M.A.L.) Educational & Social Services. The event on June 3rd included entertainment, vendors, a silent auction and raffles. The nonprofit offers several programs, including tutoring and educational workshops.
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