Commentary by Denise Vickers, News Editor for 352today

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As the final hours of 2023 countdown, the 352today news team reflected on the stories that we enjoyed bringing to you the most. We didn’t have an entire calendar year’s worth of content to choose from since our start-up news operation only came to life in August.

In the past four months, we’ve reported many local news stories that reflect our mission to be Your Community Connection.

As I was curating this content, I realized there was a common theme to these stories. They’re all about people doing remarkable things. Some overcoming odds. Some pioneering the path. Some acting heroically.

In each case, we enjoyed bringing you their stories and look forward to reporting more stories that help us be your community connection.

Stories are presented by order in which they were published.

1. Elvis may be the King of Rock and Roll, but judges crown Dunnellon man the prince of Elvis tribute artists

Cote Deonath drops to the floor on his knees when he hears his name called as the 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner. Courtesy: Elmar Keijzer/ETA-Photos.com
On August 15, we brought you the story of a Dunnellon man who achieved the highest accomplishment in his craft. 26-year-old Cote Deonath swiveled his hips and belted out hits from the King of Rock and Roll in a two-night competition that earned him the coveted title of 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner. He also strutted off the Graceland Soundstage in Memphis with a $20,000 cash prize, a contract to perform with Elvis Presley Enterprises and a snazzy first place belt covered in bling.
Mayor Marciano told the audience that it’s truly an honor to serve as Ocala’s next mayor. He concluded saying, “Let’s go out and make it happen.” That prompted a standing ovation from the crowd. Courtesy: Bill Cummings/352today

On September 22, 352today’s Kathy Dugan published an in-depth interview with Ben Marciano who at the time was still mayor-elect of Ocala. He wouldn’t be officially sworn in until December 5. Marciano talked candidly about how college plans for criminal justice got derailed when he got into drugs and was arrested. He also shared how he overcame addiction to get his life back on track.

“Here’s the thing about Ocala’s newest mayor, he is who he is,” said Dugan. “He doesn’t hide his past. He shares what he’s overcome, and he strives to help others achieve their own sobriety and success.”

3. Marion County Sheriff’s Office is ready to trot out its first-ever sworn, mounted unit

For now, the MCSO mounted unit is comprised of four horses, six riding-deputies and three others who work with the horses. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) trotted out its first-ever mounted unit in fall 2023. With Marion County being the “Horse Capital of the World, it seems like a natural fit for the sheriff’s department to have a mounted unit. The unit is commanded by Lt. Mike Joyner. Joyner says it means a lot to him to get the opportunity to lead the group. “It’s a fantastic honor. I’ve been around horses all my life. I’ve ridden horses all my life. For the sheriff’s department that I’ve been a part of for 26 years to bring forth a sworn mounted unit and for me to be given the opportunity to be the commander of it is amazing,” beamed Joyner. 352today’s Ryann Dickerson got the opportunity to catch up with them in late September as they trained at the Florida Horse Park on Highway 475.

4. Humble hero says it was ‘instinctive’ to jump into action, ending man’s alleged crime spree in Starbucks drive-thru

Shane Spicer was in the passenger seat of a car in the Starbucks drive-thru when he saw a man pull a woman out of the driver’s seat in the car in front of him. “At that point, I already knew bad things were about to happen,” said Spicer. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

The most viewed video on the 352today YouTube page is the story we produced on Shane Spicer, the Ocala man who sprang into action at the Starbucks drive-thru on South Pine Avenue when he noticed a man trying to carjack the driver in the car in front of him. “Sitting in line. I just kinda noticed this dude sprinting up. By the look of him, he was a little out of place at 11 a.m. sprinting in downtown Ocala,” said the 37-year-old Spicer. The Ocala Police Department (OPD) says that ‘out of place’ man WAS 39-year-old Michael Prouty. They say he had been on a crime spree that started early morning Tuesday, Oct. 24, with the robbery of a 7-Eleven convenience store followed by a home invasion in The Villages where Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies say he stole a woman’s purse, cellphone and Cadillac. Spicer is seen on police dashcam and bodycam footage chasing and then capturing Prouty. Spicer credits his military service with the instinct to jump in and help. By the way… the stranger in the drive-thru that Spicer helped was six months pregnant.

5. North Marion High baseball celebrates state championship with ring ceremony

NMHS baseball player Rowan Quartararo shows off his state championship ring. Courtesy: Ryann Dickerson/352today

The 2023 North Marion High School (NMHS) baseball players received their state championship rings in a ceremony held Friday, Nov. 3, at the school’s gym. This event solidified the team’s place in school history. NMHS baseball clinched the Class 4A state title this past May after defeating Bishop Kenny in Fort Myers. The NMHS baseball team is the first to win not just a state baseball title, but the first to win a state championship in any sport for the school. Players, coaches, staff, administrators, family, and friends and the community gathered to celebrate the huge accomplishment. 352today’s Ryann Dickerson was there to witness the historic moment and bring it to our readers.