Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission Meets Tonight
Development and growth issues return to the forefront in Marion County today.
The county's Planning and Zoning Commission holds its first hearing at 5:30 p.m.
The commission reviews zoning and land-use matters before many proposals move on to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
Earlier today, the county's Development Review Committee meets at 9 a.m. at the Office of the County Engineer on Southeast 25th Avenue in Ocala.
Data Center Debate Continues Tuesday
Marion County commissioners are preparing for another discussion Tuesday involving one of the county's most closely watched growth issues: large-scale data centers.
Commissioners have scheduled a public workshop for September 1 to discuss how Marion County should approach potential data-center development.
The discussion follows concerns from residents about electricity demand, water consumption, noise and the potential environmental effects of large facilities.
County leaders are considering what regulations should apply to future projects before additional data-center development moves forward.
Marion Transit Searching for a New Operator
Local transportation officials are considering how to keep Marion Transit operating after Marion Senior Services announced it will leave the transportation business by December.
Marion Senior Services has operated the familiar Marion Transit vehicles for about 40 years.
Executive Director Jennifer Martinez told transportation officials that liability insurance costs have tripled and now cost the organization approximately $1.3 million.
Marion Transit provided more than 1.16 million passenger miles during 2025 through programs serving seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents and other transportation-disadvantaged passengers.
The Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization is considering seeking proposals from another contractor to take over the service.
Ocala Pickleball Tournament Supports New Horizons Academy
More than 50 pickleball players gathered in Ocala over the weekend for a tournament benefiting New Horizons Academy.
Organizers said the event was designed to raise both money and awareness for the school, which serves children with autism and other disabilities.
The tournament brought local players together Saturday as part of an effort to support the academy and the families it serves.
College of Central Florida Cleared Following Bomb Threat
The College of Central Florida's Ocala campus has returned to normal operations after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation Friday afternoon.
Students and employees were evacuated while the Ocala Police Department searched the campus.
Authorities ultimately found no bombs or other explosive devices, and the campus was given the all-clear.
Classes resumed Saturday.
Looking Ahead: Labor Day
Labor Day is one week from today, on Monday, September 7.
Marion County Solid Waste facilities will be closed for the holiday and are scheduled to reopen Tuesday, September 8.
The Marion County Clerk's Office will also be closed for Labor Day, although many online court and payment services will remain available.
