THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Deputies evacuated homes in a neighborhood in The Villages on Tuesday after they responded to explosive devices at a residence, prompting a bomb‑squad response and a federal investigation.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded at 11:07 a.m. to 1505 Yucatan Way Morse Blvd., west of U.S. 441.
Deputies posted on Facebook that someone reported “what appears to be explosive devices.”
[VIDEO BELOW: Ocala restaurant explosion prompts road closures]
“Out of an abundance of caution, homes in the immediate area are being evacuated while these items are safely removed from the home,” the post stated.
Deputies said in an update that the bomb squad determined “the explosives were confirmed stolen from the military.”
Several neighbors said they first learned about the situation through alerts and calls as law enforcement activity quickly intensified in the neighborhood.
“A notification went off on my Nextdoor app this morning saying there were explosives in the area,” said a resident.
Carl Hoagland, who lives nearby, said he was away from home when a neighbor called to describe the scene.
“He said there was a lot of action going on around here, helicopters going around and police cars and everything else,” Hoagland said.
Residents said they were shaken by the discovery, particularly because of the explosives’ reported military origin.
“It’s kind of scary, especially being military,” one neighbor said.
With no arrests announced, News 6 knocked on the front door of the home Tuesday night. There appeared to be people inside, but no one answered.
Hoagland said he is left with questions as investigators remain tight-lipped.
“Does it make you wonder how you can steal explosive devices from the military in the first place? Absolutely,” he said. “How did they know where they were and who had them? It really makes you wonder.”
Details about the explosives have not been released.
The scene was cleared and the case will be investigated by the FBI.
[FLASHBACK VIDEO BELOW: Sinkholes threaten homes in The Villages]