OCALA NATIONAL FOREST

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are searching for a missing man who could be in danger. Deputies said 52-year-old Guy Daniel Hessley disappeared over the weekend and has been missing for over 24 hours. Deputies say he was last seen in the 12100 block SE 135th Avenue in Ocklawaha. MISSING: St. Augustine woman, 66, vanished from Ocala National Forest more than a week agoOfficials said he has a medical condition and does not have his medication. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911.

Deputies said the woman, Theresa Hartley, was last seen in the area of North Forest Road 88 around one mile south of North Forest Road 66 in the Ocala National Forest, near Lake Delancey.

OCALA, Fla. — A northeastern Ohio man accused of sexually assaulting a minor was arrested in Florida on Tuesday after police found him hiding in a van in the Ocala National Forest, authorities said. Marshals in Marion County, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office online booking records. According to the Ashtabula Star Beacon, Rutter fled the area in July 2022, after he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor from Jan. 11, 2017, to Jan. 10, 2019. Witnesses reported seeing him in Pennsylvania and West Virginia until authorities tracked him to Florida, the Star Beacon reported. Members of the Florida-Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force found Rutter hiding in an Astro van in the Ocala National Forest, according to the newspaper.

How New Smyrna Beach keeps getting it right on development, bombing in the Ocala forest, a lost Carl Sagan lecture, Mark Twain on rascals.

“This species often hisses very loudly when disturbed.”

Navy training schedules indicate training will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest from June 6 - 18.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Lake Butler man charged with illegally killing Black Bears in the Ocala National Forest in 2018 was sentenced in Marion County. Read: Here are the bare necessities to work as a Florida ‘bear response contractor’According to FWC officials, Wood and his co-defendants lured black bears with dog food, doughnuts, pastries and peanut butter in several areas throughout Baker, Flagler, Marion and Union counties. Investigators said the defendants then used packs of dogs to chase and maul the black bears. Read: FWC offers Spring BearWise tips to reduce conflicts with bearsOfficials said Wood and the others then recorded several of the attacks and posted the videos on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Summer coed volleyball camp registration open, Irving berlin's and Jacob Oliva's birthday, be kind to your receptionist, not just today.

The Navy will be conducting bombing exercises at the Pinecastle Range Complex on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Loud bombing sounds will ring through areas nearby the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest from Monday to Thursday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Imagine being surrounded by beautiful green scenery of trees and other flora, listening to birds chirping and water babbling.

Did it smell like smoke when you stepped outside on Monday in Central Florida?

If you were alarmed by loud booming sounds around Ocala, don't worry, it's just the U.S. Navy dropping live bombs for practice.

OCALA, Fla. — It was a close call for Scott Johnson while riding his dirt bike in Ocala National Forest earlier this month. He said he was clotheslined off his dirt bike. But it was barbed wire, “tied from tree to tree” and strung at neck height. In cellphone video, Johnson called it “evil, straight evil.”“I got emotional when I started thinking about the possibility of not having the chance to say goodbye to my wife, that if I bled out on that trail,” Scott Johnson told Channel 9. And if you’re watching, you’re a coward.”Despite that close call, Johnson said he won’t hesitate to get back on his bike.

You can get a Christmas tree for $10 by cutting one down in the Ocala National Forest. But there are some things you need to know.

A 64-year-old motorcyclist from Orlando is dead after he crashed on a trail in the Ocala National Forest around 2:49 p.m. on Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Navy is set to conduct bombing training starting on Friday in the Ocala National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 42-year-old Ocala man and a bear were killed late Thursday in a motorcycle crash in Marion County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal wreck was reported at 11:02 p.m. on State Road 40 at State Road 19 near the Ocala National Forest. 40 when he struck the bear, which was in the westbound lane of the road. The bike overturned, ejecting the man, who was taken to a hospital and later died, according to an FHP report. AdThe bear also died, troopers said.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear loud booms this week, the Navy is just dropping bombs. This week, the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville is conducting inert bomb training at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. The range complex is about 2 miles west of the Camp Ocala campgrounds and near several hiking trails. AdIt’s common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range. Anyone who has a noise complaint is asked to call the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility in Jacksonville at 800-874-5059.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A tornado watch was issued Monday for Flagler County as strong storms rolled through the region. The watch expired at 10 p.m.A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Rain chances will be at 40% Monday afternoon. Expect rain chances -- on and off -- at 50% by Wednesday night and 20% on Thursday.

If you hear loud booming sounds again this week, don’t be alarmed. This week, the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville is conducting inert bomb training at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. Training will be conducted during the following days and times, according to the Naval Air Station’s website. It’s common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range. The explosions and loud noises may push wildlife out of the forest and onto nearby roads.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Did you hear loud booms and feel your house shake Thursday? Turns out, it was caused by the Navy dropping bombs during training in Central Florida. Residents across Seminole and Orange counties called 911 about the “booms” and posted questions on Facebook groups looking for answers. It’s common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range. Anyone who has a noise complaint is asked to call the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility in Jacksonville at 800-874-5059.

Published: October 15, 2020, 8:07 am Updated: October 15, 2020, 9:56 amCITRA, Fla. – A pilot was killed early Wednesday when a single-engine plane crashed in a remote part of Marion County near the Ocala National Forest, officials said. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said its aviation unit located the downed plane near Orange Springs. investigators were able to reach the private plane and discovered the pilot, the sole occupant, dead, sheriff’s officials said. The pilot was identified as John Toole Jr., 65. Investigators believe that Toole may have been trying to land at a nearby private airstrip when the crash occurred.

The black lines showed forest roads, while the green lines represented previously legal roads that were closed. OUTDATED INFORMATIONMillions of people visit Florida’s national forests — Ocala, Apalachicola and Osceola — each year. “Everything was open unless it was designated as no access,” said Jay Perry, recreation program manager for Ocala National Forest. Or thousands of dollars and heavy equipment, also a preventable impact, that comes at the expense of the Forest Service. We’re above the Floridan aquifer, where all of this water filters down and comes back up out of the springs,” Ramirez said.

Marion County governments citizen information line, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Distance learning for Marion County Public Schools is underway. Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! To sign up for vote by mail: Call the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office at 620-3290.

Send items to calendar@starbanner.comCity of Ocala: Ocala will host a virtual town hall meeting at 6 p.m. today. Hotlines: Marion County governments citizen information line, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: "We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! www.MarionTax.comProperty Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online.

City of Ocala: Ocala will host a virtual town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Hotlines: Marion County governments citizen information line, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: "We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! www.MarionTax.comProperty Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online.

Marion County Democratic Party: The party sent this news bulletin on Tuesday:"(The) Marion County Democratic Party has been involved in registering voters at in-person events; however, such events had to be curtailed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. City of Ocala: Ocala will host a virtual town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Hotlines: Marion County governments citizen information line, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: "We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! www.MarionTax.comProperty Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online.

The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily shutting down recreation areas in the Ocala National Forest because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The locations closed to the public include developed, day use and primitive recreation areas, as well as trails, including trailheads and off-highway vehicle corrals, boat ramp areas and U.S. Forest Service water access sites, Silver Glen Recreation Area and Silver Glen Run. Officials said to view a list and map of closed areas is on their website at www.fs.usda.gov/ocala. While some areas are closed to the public, forest officials said hunting and fishing are available to the public. Officials also want to warn people that burn bans are in effect in multiple locations, and the public should follow local restrictions to limit fire risk.

Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Same for the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park, the Hills of Ocala meeting room in Dunnellon, the Marion Oaks Community Center, the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center and the Silver Springs Shores Community Center. Staying positive: Marion County government wants to see your home videos: "We are encouraging you to share your videos with us! Croskey Community Center, 1510 NW Fourth St. Lillian Bryant Community Center, 2200 NW 17th PlaceThe Ocala Golf Club is closed. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled.

Marion County government activates citizen information line: The number, 369-7500, is answered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Distance learning for Marion County Public Schools began Wednesday. Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. www.MarionTax.comProperty Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled.

High drought index and low rainfall to blameState officials have prohibited all camp fires and burn activities in the Ocala National Forest from now until July 31. The reasons: a high drought index and not enough rain. Officials want to protect public safety, as well as the forest natural resources. Authorities said campfires may be permitted within designated recreational areas only, pursuant to applicable regulations and guidelines. State officials said those visiting the forest should not leave their vehicles in dry, grassy areas because the heat from the vehicle can cause a fire.

Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Same for the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park, the Hills of Ocala meeting room in Dunnellon, the Marion Oaks Community Center, the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center and the Silver Springs Shores Community Center. Croskey Community Center, 1510 NW Fourth St. Lillian Bryant Community Center, 2200 NW 17th PlaceThe Ocala Golf Club is closed. www.MarionTax.com+ Property Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled.

Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Same for the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park, the Hills of Ocala meeting room in Dunnellon, the Marion Oaks Community Center, the Rainbow Lakes Estates Community Center and the Silver Springs Shores Community Center. Croskey Community Center, 1510 NW Fourth St. Lillian Bryant Community Center, 2200 NW 17th PlaceThe Ocala Golf Club is closed. Marion County Parks and RecreationAll playgrounds, pavilions and restrooms are closed at county parks, as are county sports complexes. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled.

Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Marion County Parks and RecreationAll playgrounds, pavilions and restrooms are closed at county parks, as are county sports complexes. www.MarionTax.com+ Property Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled. Marion County Day event canceled: Marion County officials have canceled Marion County Day, previously scheduled for March 28 at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

Marion County governmentMarion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Marion County Parks and RecreationAll playgrounds, pavilions and restrooms are closed at county parks, as are county sports complexes. www.MarionTax.com+ Property Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled. Marion County Day event canceled: Marion County officials have canceled Marion County Day, previously scheduled for March 28 at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

Marion County governmentMonday night, Marion County government significantly changed its closure policy:+ Marion County government buildings are now closed to the public; services provided by phone and online. Marion County Parks and RecreationAll playgrounds, pavilions and restrooms are closed at county parks, as are county sports complexes. www.MarionTax.com+ Property Appraisers Office: Office closed to the public; services available by phone or online. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: The April 14th Technical (TAC) and Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings have been canceled. Marion County Day event canceled: Marion County officials have canceled Marion County Day, previously scheduled for March 28 at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

Marion County Utilities: All shut-offs suspended for customers suffering economic hardship. Marion County Parks and RecreationAll playgrounds, pavilions and restrooms are closed at county parks, as are county sports complexes. EducationMarion County Public Schools campuses will be closed until April 15, but online learning is set to commence on March 30. Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization: A board meeting will be held at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday in the County Commission auditorium at the McPherson Governmental Complex. Marion County Day event canceled: Marion County officials have canceled Marion County Day, previously scheduled for March 28 at the McPherson Governmental Campus.

A hiker in the Ocala National Forest last week stumbled upon a rare sight, when they spotted and photographed a rainbow snake, also known as an "eel moccasin. "According to a Facebook post by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Wildlife Research Institute, the snakes are rarely seen, due to their "cryptic habits." Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Unlike many newspapers, ours is free and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

The loud booms across Central Florida continue, but don’t worry it’s just the Navy dropping bombs for training purposes. The Naval Air Station in Jacksonville is conducting live and inert bomb training at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. Training will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12. The range complex is about 2 miles west of the Camp Ocala campgrounds and near several hiking trails. It's common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range.

OCALA, Fla. – If you’ve heard loud booming sounds Friday, don’t worry it’s just the Navy dropping bombs in the middle of Florida. The Naval Air Station in Jacksonville is conducting live and inert bomb training at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. Training will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8. The range complex is about 2 miles west of the Camp Ocala campgrounds and near several hiking trails. It's common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range.

The U.S. Forest Service conducted a 2,071-acre prescribed burn in the Ocala National Forest in Putnam County. Ocalas coldest temperature since 2018 is expected Wednesday morning, with the daybreak low projected to dip to 26 degrees. "It will be the coldest morning in two years," said Ben Nelson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Jacksonville of the Ocala forecast. The countys official forecast is issued by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, while the Star-Banners weather page uses AccuWeather forecasts. The release stated that the prescribed burn that the Ocala National Forest burn is one of many the agency will conduct in 2020.

OCALA, Fla. – If you hear loud booming sounds, don’t worry it’s just the Navy dropping bombs in the middle of Florida. The Naval Air Station in Jacksonville is conducting live and inert bomb training at Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest. The range complex is about 2 miles west of the Camp Ocala campgrounds and near several hiking trails. It's common for F-18 jet fighters and other Navy aircraft to drop bombs in the middle of the range. Anyone who has a noise complaint is asked to call the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility in Jacksonville at 800-874-5059.

OCALA, Fla. - Detectives are investigating after a 48-year-old man's remains were found in the Ocala National Forest, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said a man who had been hunting in the forest noticed what he thought were deer scratchings on the ground about 200 yards into a trail off Forest Road 5 as he was walking to his tree stand. The hunter returned later, noticed leaves covering the area and thought it looked suspicious, so he asked his friend to bring a shovel, according to deputies. In an update Wednesday, authorities said the remains were identified as those of Daniel Allen Jones, 48, of Ocala. Anyone with information about the remains is asked to call Sheriff's Office detectives at 352-732-9111.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has released more information about the human remains that were found in the Ocala National Forest. Sheriff's officials said Wednesday the name of the victim is Daniel Allen Jones of Ocala. Earlier on Wednesday, detectives said the remains were those of a white male, age 45-55, who stood 6 feet 2 to 6 feet 5. Hunters found the remains Sunday near the 8800 block of Southeast Forest Road 5. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case or had any contact with Jones recently should call Detective Travis OCull at 732-9111 or contact Crime Stoppers at 368-7867 or www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

OCALA, Fla. - The U.S. Navy will once again conduct bombing exercises in the Ocala National Forest, prompting authorities to alert residents who live nearby. F-18 jet fighters and other aircraft take off from Jacksonville Naval Air Station and drop bombs in the middle of the range, according to MilitaryBases.US. It's at least the third time this year that the Navy has conducted bombing practice at the forest. "We have been notified that the U.S. Navy will begin live ordinance bombing at the Pinecastle Bombing Range in the Ocala National Forest now through the 21st of September. In the past, noise from the bombs has driven animals onto nearby roads and homes, officials said.

While kayaking in the Alexander Springs recreation area of the Ocala National Forest last month, Don Brouillard and his wife Ginny spotted something up above that wasn't nature's work. The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversee the Alexander Springs area and the Ocala National Forest, said they were unaware of the balloon and no permit was given for it. The U.S. Navy, which utilizes a bombing range at the Ocala National Forest, was also unaware of the balloon and had no knowledge of what it could be. Finally, officials with a company called Loon told News 6 the balloon was likely theirs. "We did have a number of balloons in the general area during that time frame, so it was likely a Loon balloon," Loon representative Scott Coriell said.

While kayaking in the Alexander Springs recreation area of the Ocala National Forest last month, Don Brouillard and his wife Ginny spotted something that wasn't nature's work. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

James Harold Smith, 34, of Fort McCoy, was arrested following the disturbance. James Harold Smith, 34, of Fort McCoy, was arrested following the disturbance at 88 Store & Pub, 14280 NE 203rd Ave. Road. He told sheriff's deputies he was attacked and was defending himself, according to a Marion County Sheriff's Office arrest report. When a second man tried to break up the fight, that man was punched in the face several times, according to the arrest report. Another man told deputies that when he tried to intervene Smith punched him in the face.

South of County Road 316 and west of Forest Road 11The U.S. Forest Service is conducting a 621-acre prescribed burn today in the Ocala National Forest specifically, south of County Road 316 and west of Forest Road 11. "The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires," the service said in a news release. The agency cautioned motorists to drive slowly with lights on while in smoky areas. "Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Today is Burn Unit 37 in the agency's 2019 prescribed burning season.

Residences within a half-mile of a wildfire burning northwest of Ocala National Forest were evacuated Monday afternoon, according to the Florida Forest Service. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.