The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Weirsdale, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Weirsdale, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Weirsdale, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Weirsdale, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533
Free Consultation
Latest News in Weirsdale, FL
Art, live music and more: Looking ahead on the Ocala/Marion County entertainment calendar
The Star Bannerhttps://www.ocala.com/story/entertainment/2022/05/12/max-weinberg-tops-list-upcoming-entertainment-ocala-florida/9725077002/
Ocala Star-BannerSummer Spotlight Exhibition“Town and Country” is the theme for the Visual Artists’ Society Summer Spotlight, showcasing the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be on display at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, from May 16-July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m....
Ocala Star-Banner
Summer Spotlight Exhibition
“Town and Country” is the theme for the Visual Artists’ Society Summer Spotlight, showcasing the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be on display at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, from May 16-July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening reception and awards ceremony is May 24 from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1552 or visit www.cf.edu.
Classic Albums Live
The final show of Classic Albums Live season at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, features music from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ "Damn the Torpedoes" on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Guests can experience the album note for note, performed by the professional musicians of Classic Albums Live. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets from $20. For more information, visit www.reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606.
Orange Blossom Opry
Friday Night Live at the Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale, features former Sawyer Brown and Confederate Railroad member Bobby Randall on May 20 at 7 p.m. for an evening of rollicking country music with the Orange Blossom Opry Band. Tickets from $16-$25. For more details, visit www.obopry.com for venue information and purchase.
'More than just a restaurant':Front Porch focuses on friends, family and fried chicken
Safe dining:1 ordered closed, 6 fail, 16 perfect: Marion County restaurant inspections for May 2-7
Where the locals eat:In Anthony, Papy's is the Place for breakfast and lunch
Dance Divine School of Ballet 40th Anniversary
A special presentation of “Zechariah: The Lord Remember” will be presented at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, on May 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public; seating available on a first come/first served basis. For more details, visit www.reilllyartscenter.com or email sydney.norman96@gmail.com.
Opera Tampa
The resident Opera company at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts visits Ocala and once again performs at Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., on May 22 at 1 p.m. with a selection of arias and popular Broadway tunes. Free tickets are not available online and must be picked up at the CSCC box office during business hours; limit two per household. For more information about Opera Tampa, visit StrazCenter.org/OperaTampa/About-Opera-Tampa
Max Weinberg’s Jukebox
The former drum chair for Bruce Springsteen and the E street Band and bandleader for Conan O’Brien’s late-night show takes the stage of the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, at 7:30 p.m. May 26. Guests will choose from a video menu of over 200 songs from the Beatles to the Stones to the big Boss. Tickets from $20; VIP private meet and greet tickets are sold separately at $11, with post-show autographs and photo opportunity. For tickets and additional details, visit www.reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606.
Live music, theater, art and more: Fun things to do this weekend in Ocala/Marion County
The Star Bannerhttps://www.ocala.com/story/entertainment/2022/05/18/music-and-more-fun-things-do-weekend-ocala-florida/9799837002/
Ocala Star-BannerThe Levitt AMP Ocala Music SeriesThe Marion Cultural Alliance in partnership with the City of Ocala presents free, family friendly outdoor concerts to the public on Fridays through July 1 from 7-9 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala. The series is sponsored in part by ...
Ocala Star-Banner
The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series
The Marion Cultural Alliance in partnership with the City of Ocala presents free, family friendly outdoor concerts to the public on Fridays through July 1 from 7-9 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala. The series is sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which funds and empowers communities to inject new life into underused spaces. The May 20 performer is scheduled to be The Drifters featuring Rick Sheppard (R&B/Soul.) For more information and concert schedule details, visit www.ocalafl.org/levittamp or call 352-629-8447.
'Beauty and the Beast'
This Disney musical is onstage through June 5 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. "Based on the beloved 1991 Disney film, this 'tale as old as time' is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale. All the songs from the movie are here, plus half a dozen new hits written for the stage musical," OCT said in a news release. More at (352) 236-2274 and www.ocalacivictheatre.com.
Classic Albums Live
The final show of Classic Albums Live season at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, features music from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ "Damn the Torpedoes" on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Guests can experience the album note for note, performed by the professional musicians of Classic Albums Live. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets from $20. For more information, visit www.reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606.
'Old school and down to earth':The Marion County Airport, near Dunnellon, is having a moment
Orange Blossom Opry
Friday Night Live at the Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale, features former Sawyer Brown and Confederate Railroad member Bobby Randall on May 20 at 7 p.m. for an evening of rollicking country music with the Orange Blossom Opry Band. Tickets from $16-$25. For more details, visit www.obopry.com.
Dance Divine School of Ballet 40th Anniversary
A special presentation of “Zechariah: The Lord Remember” will be presented at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, on May 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public; seating available on a first come/first served basis. For more details, visit www.reilllyartscenter.com or email sydney.norman96@gmail.com.
Opera Tampa
The resident opera company at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts visits Ocala and once again performs at Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., on May 22 at 1 p.m. with a selection of arias and popular Broadway tunes. Free tickets are not available online and must be picked up at the CSCC box office during business hours; limit two per household. For more information about Opera Tampa, visit StrazCenter.org/OperaTampa/About-Opera-Tampa
Ongoing:
Summer Spotlight Exhibition
“Town and Country” is the theme for the Visual Artists’ Society Summer Spotlight, showcasing the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be on display at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, from May 16-July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening reception and awards ceremony is May 24 from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1552 or visit www.cf.edu.
'Landmarks'
The "Landmarks" exhibit, featuring works from Marion Cultural Alliance members, is on display through May 28 at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. Admission is free. There are more than 60 original artworks including sculpture, photography, mixed media, oils, acrylics and pastels.
Photographs by Steven Benson
The Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, presents “Invented Observations: Photographs by Steven Benson,” on exhibit through Nov. 6 in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Arts. Benson is a professor at Daytona State College and is the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Midwest Fellowship. His work has been displayed in numerous collections, including the Museum of Fine Art Houston, Detroit Institute of Arts and Museet for Fotokunst in Denmark. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit www.AppletonMuseum.org.
'Finding Beauty'
This exhibit features costumes, set photos, interactive experiences and sketches, along with a plethora of fabrics and video of the costume design process. These objects, from the Appleton Museum’s permanent collection, inspired the art and design for the Ocala Civic Theatre’s production of "Beauty and the Beast." This exhibit runs at the Appleton through the winter of 2022. The museum is at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For additional details and admission fees, visit www.appletonmuseum.org.
'Horsemanship' by Walter Israel
The work of this German-American artist and Ocala resident has been displayed in art galleries and publications across the world, and he is the recipient of the Western Art Rodeo Association’s “World Finals Dry Medium” competition. Horsemanship is on display through May 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Recreation and Parks Administration building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala. This exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call 352-629-8447 or visit www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.
'Encounter' by Tom Hundersmarck
An abstract and landscape painter based in Gainesville, Hundersmarck began painting as a child and has worked extensively as a psychologist with combat veterans. The exhibit is free and open to the public through July 19 at Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 600, Ocala. For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 or visit www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.
'Beauty and the Beast,' jazz and more: Fun things to do this weekend in Ocala/Marion County
The Star Bannerhttps://www.ocala.com/story/entertainment/2022/05/26/beauty-and-beast-tops-list-weekend-fun-ocala-florida/9916873002/
Ocala Star-Banner'Beauty and the Beast'This Disney musical is onstage through June 5 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. "Based on the beloved 1991 Disney film, this 'tale as old as time' is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale. All the songs from the movie are here, plus half a dozen new hits written for the stage musical," OCT said in a news release. More at (352)...
Ocala Star-Banner
'Beauty and the Beast'
This Disney musical is onstage through June 5 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. "Based on the beloved 1991 Disney film, this 'tale as old as time' is brought to life in a spectacular stage version of the classic fairytale. All the songs from the movie are here, plus half a dozen new hits written for the stage musical," OCT said in a news release. More at (352) 236-2274 and www.ocalacivictheatre.com.
Reilly Noir - Global Jazz Collective
The Reilly Noir series’ sixth concert is with the Global Jazz Collective at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. The series is in partnership with Scott Wilson, associate professor of jazz studies at the University of Florida School of Music, who will also be performing. Joining Wilson is Latin Grammy award-winner Jose Valentino, professional bassist Nolan Koskela-Staples, and producer/percussionist Derris Lee. Tickets $20 per person; VIP tables for four available for $150. For additional information, visit www.reillyartscenter.com or call 352-351-1606.
Where the locals eat:Rocco's is Fort McCoy's go-to pizza place
Greg Warren Band
Hang out at the Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala, from 7-10 p.m. May 27 for an evening of dancing and live local music with the Greg Warren Band. Food trucks, vendors, kiosks, shopping and fun for adults and families. Free and open to the public, weather permitting. For more information, visit www.circlesquarecommons.com.
Family and Friends Concert
Derek Milton and the Lebanon Baptist Choir of Baker, Florida, join the St. Joseph AME church choir from DeFuniak Springs for an evening of uplifting gospel music and fellowship May 28 at 6 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 718 NW Seventh St., Ocala. Free and open to the public. For more information, email carolcroskey@yahoo.com.
Peach Festival
Celebrate the harvest and the start of summer at Red, White, and Blues Farm, 3250 NE 140th Ave., Williston, and enjoy a day of picking fresh blueberries and peaches with your family. Scavenger hunts, cornhole contest, art and craft vendors, food trucks, and other fun activities, plus live music with the Doc Adams Band and Big Jim Adam. The festival will be held May 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 in advance, $7 at the door. To purchase or for more information, visit www.redwhiteandbluesfarm.com .
Orange Blossom Opry
Macey Mac takes the stage at the Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale, with the OBOpry Band May 28 at 7 p.m. for an evening of live music. Tickets from $16-$25. For more details, visit www.obopry.com.
Ongoing:
Summer Spotlight Exhibition
“Town and Country” is the theme for the Visual Artists’ Society Summer Spotlight, showcasing the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums. The exhibit will be on display at the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, through July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1552, or visit www.cf.edu.
'Landmarks'
The "Landmarks" exhibit, featuring works from Marion Cultural Alliance members, is on display through May 28 at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. Admission is free. There are more than 60 original artworks including sculpture, photography, mixed media, oils, acrylics and pastels.
Photographs by Steven Benson
The Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, presents “Invented Observations: Photographs by Steven Benson,” on exhibit through Nov. 6 in the Balcony Gallery for Florida Arts. Benson is a professor at Daytona State College and is the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Midwest Fellowship. His work has been displayed in numerous collections, including the Museum of Fine Art Houston, Detroit Institute of Arts and Museet for Fotokunst in Denmark. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit www.AppletonMuseum.org.
'Finding Beauty'
This exhibit features costumes, set photos, interactive experiences and sketches, along with a plethora of fabrics and video of the costume design process. These objects, from the Appleton Museum’s permanent collection, inspired the art and design for the Ocala Civic Theatre’s production of "Beauty and the Beast." This exhibit runs through the winter of 2022. The museum is at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For additional details and admission fees, visit www.appletonmuseum.org.
'Encounter' by Tom Hundersmarck
An abstract and landscape painter based in Gainesville, Hundersmarck began painting as a child and has worked extensively as a psychologist with combat veterans. The exhibit is free and open to the public through July 19 at Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 600, Ocala. For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 or visit www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.
‘I go up so I can look down’: Meet some of the Sun ’n Fun pilots that flew in from across the state, US
Breanna A. Rittmanhttps://www.theledger.com/story/lifestyle/features/2022/04/07/sun-n-fun-airshow-lakeland-2022-meet-pilots-who-flew-across-florida-us/7267517001/
Pilots from across the country and around the world began arriving for the 48th Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo this week.For some of the pilots, flying was a family pastime while for others they were inspired by the birds in the sky. No matter their reason each loves to fly, enjoys attending Sun ‘n Fun and sees it as one big family ...
Pilots from across the country and around the world began arriving for the 48th Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo this week.
For some of the pilots, flying was a family pastime while for others they were inspired by the birds in the sky. No matter their reason each loves to fly, enjoys attending Sun ‘n Fun and sees it as one big family reunion.
Ready for some Sun 'n Fun? Your guide to 2022 Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo
'Built to be a show':Thunderbirds are back in Lakeland, this time with brand new routine
Tim Kirby, Ocala, 1941 Stearman Biplane
Tim Kirby attended his first Sun ’n Fun in 1976 with his father. Spending time with his dad sparked his interest in planes. Kirby, 62, began flying planes when he was 15.
“It’s in my blood," said Kirby. "My father was an aviator mechanic in World War II.”
Kirby has been a commercial pilot for 37 years currently working as a 777 captain for American Airlines
Kirby flew this week in his 1941 Stearman biplane manufactured by Boeing. He resides at Leeward Air Ranch in Ocala.
In case you missed it:Thunderbirds arrive for 48th annual Sun 'n Fun
Chris Gregory, St. Petersburg, 1941 Stearman Biplane
Chris Gregory's love for airplanes started when he was a kid.
“Anytime I was playing teeball and I was at bat when an airplane came over I would look at the airplane forgetting I was at bat,” said Gregory, 53.
Gregory served as a paratrooper in the United States Army for six years. After leaving the army the air was still calling his name. He received his private pilot license in 1988 and now works as an airline pilot.
Gregory’s first Sun ’n Fun was in 1999. This year he flew in from St. Petersburg in a 1941 Stearman biplane used in World War II.
“Ours has never been touched since the World War. It looks exactly how it did in the war.” Gregory said. “When pilots were trained to fly, this was the first airplane they learned on.”
Mark Macario, Weirsdale, 1979 Cesna 180 II
Mark Macario, 67, comes from a “flying family.” From his parents to his brothers everyone had an involvement with aviation.
“I was born in a flying family," he said. "I learned to love it and made a career out of it for 34 years as an airline pilot.”
Macario’s father was a corporate pilot and his mother flew for leisure and was a member of the Ninety-Nines a club for women aviators.
The retired airline pilot resides in Love’s Landing, a gated airpark community in Weirsdale, Fla. Macario has been attending Sun ’n Fun for more than 25 years. He flew in a Cessna 180 II for this year’s expo.
“I fly for fun," said Marcario. "It was such a great career I couldn’t see not doing it for fun.”
Thunderbirds, drones and more:Sun 'n Fun 2022 pulling out old and new tricks
Syd Cohen, Wasau, Wisconsin, 1946 Ercoupe
Syd Cohen likes the view from the sky and will fly every chance he gets.
“I go up so I can look down,” said Cohen.
Cohen has been coming to Sun ’n Fun since 2005.
“I’m pretty sure I’ve been 16 times, since ’05," said Cohen. "It’s been every year since then — except when the tornado came.”
Cohen is from Wausau, Wisconsin and has been flying the same 1946 Ercoupe since he started flying planes.
Craig Copeland, Atlanta, 1943 Beechcraft Staggerwing
Nature is the reason why Craig Copeland, 57, took an interest in learning how to fly planes.
“I’ve always wanted to fly," Copeland said. "I looked at a little bird when I was a kid and I thought ‘that would be really neat.’”
Copeland started flying in 1981 and has been coming to Sun ’n Fun since the mid-1990s. He has been with American Airlines since 1998 and thoroughly enjoys flying airplanes.
“It’s the only thing I’m good at,” said Copeland.
Eric Garrett, Fruitland Park, 1964 Cessna 180 II
Eric Garrett, 62, took his first pilot lesson in 1976 and has been coming to Sun ’n Fun since the mid-1990s. The love for flying for him was also passed down from his father.
“My dad had his first plane before he had his first car after World War II,” said Garrett.
Garrett has been attending Sun ’n Fun since the mid-1990s and brings his dog Sierra as a companion.
“She doesn’t like to fly too much but she likes being here with me,” said Garrett.
Garrett is the southeastern director for the International 180 & 185 Club.
“We get together and do a lot of fly-ins and once a year we have a big convention,” he said. “We just hang out, fly our planes and have fun.”
For Garrett flying is a getaway.
“It’s a fun way to get away from everything and all the crazy people on the ground," he said.
The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo runs until Sunday.
Breanna A. Rittman writes news features for The Ledger. Send your feature ideas to BRittman@gannett.com.
Dean at Lake Weir Middle arrested, accused of sexually battering student, Marion deputies say
Thomas Mateshttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/06/dean-at-lake-weir-middle-arrested-accused-of-sexually-battering-student-marion-deputies-say/
Henry Anderson, 40, was arrested ThursdayMARION COUNTY, Fla. – A high school track coach and dean at Lake Weir Middle School is accused of touching a student at the school and investigators believe there may be other victims. according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.Henry Anderson, 40, was arrested Thursday after deputies said he gave inconsistent answers when questioned about the accusations.Records show the victim contacted the sheriff’s office Thursday. Deputies said she cla...
Henry Anderson, 40, was arrested Thursday
MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A high school track coach and dean at Lake Weir Middle School is accused of touching a student at the school and investigators believe there may be other victims. according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Henry Anderson, 40, was arrested Thursday after deputies said he gave inconsistent answers when questioned about the accusations.
Records show the victim contacted the sheriff’s office Thursday. Deputies said she claimed Anderson, who coaches the varsity track and field team at Lake Weir High School, had picked her up at her home Wednesday around 10 p.m. for a workout.
Deputies also said they weren’t sure how he got into the school that late or what policies at the school might allow faculty to enter that late.
The girl said Anderson took her to the weight room at the school, where the pair did a leg exercise routine, according to the probable cause affidavit.
The victim claimed Anderson then gave her a leg massage, which she claimed was not uncommon, but said that this time the coach began to touch her inappropriately, including removing her shorts.
Deputies said when the man stepped out of the room, the victim contacted her friend on her cellphone. Investigators said the timestamps on those communications helped to corroborate the victim’s account of what happened.
Furthermore, deputies said a janitor saw the victim and Anderson in the gym that night.
The girl then asked to be taken home, records show. The victim said the coach tried to get her to continue with the massage, but eventually took her home around 1:30 a.m.
Deputies said Anderson, when questioned, initially said he picked up the girl at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, though he later changed his story to say it was 9:45 p.m.
He also claimed to have a good relationship with the victim, though he later said that she was angry with him for not allowing her to compete, the affidavit stated. Anderson even claimed the girl had threatened to get him fired, records show.
Deputies said these statements contradicted Anderson’s claim that he had a good relationship with the victim.
He also denied ever giving the victim a message, though he later said that the team occasionally used a handheld massage gun, records show.
Deputies asked if that is what he had used on the night of the incident. Investigators said Anderson first exclaimed “Yes,” then retracted the statement and said he had no physical contact with her.
Anderson was then arrested and taken to the Marion County jail.
He faces a charge of sexual battery on a victim 12 years of age or older but younger than 18.
According to the school district, he is also “on paid administrative leave pending the outcomes of law enforcement and school district investigations (and) not allowed on any MCPS property.”
School officials said Anderson was hired as a paraprofessional in November 2016 at West Port High School before being transferred to Forest High School in August 2017, where he served as an Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher.
He later resigned in May 2018 due to not meeting state-required certifications and was rehired in January 2019 as Student Services Manager at Lake Weir Middle School, where he later served as dean, school officials said.
“Mr. Anderson cleared all state-mandated background checks before being hired by MCPS,” Marion County Public Schools said in a statement. “He received a written reprimand in March 2022 for intentionally missing a dean’s meeting without permission. Otherwise, his employment record is clear and he has positive evaluations for his job performance.”
Investigators believe that because of his position at the school and access to children, there may be more victims.
If you or anyone you know may have been a victim, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-398-3535 or 352-368-3548.
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