Tampa Man Killed in Marion County Crash
A 64-year-old Tampa man died following a single-vehicle crash in Marion County late Sunday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol says the man was driving a pickup truck east on Northwest 100th Street at approximately 11 p.m.
Troopers say the truck left the roadway, struck a cable box and then collided with a utility pole.
The driver was ejected from the vehicle and died from his injuries.
The investigation into the crash continues.
22-Year-Old Man Dies After Drowning at Lake Weir
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 22-year-old man drowned at Lake Weir over the weekend.
Deputies say the man was swimming with friends near Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill in Ocklawaha and had gone out toward a buoy.
Witnesses told investigators that the swimmer became tired and went underwater.
Witnesses and other bystanders pulled him from the water, and he was transported to a hospital, where he died.
The Sheriff’s Office says there is no suspicion of foul play.
No Injuries Reported Following North Magnolia Business Fire
Ocala firefighters responded Saturday morning following reports of an explosion and fire in the North Magnolia Business District.
The incident was reported at approximately 7:25 a.m. near Main Street Mower at 733 North Magnolia Avenue.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom before seeing smoke and a fire-like glow coming from the building.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and no injuries were reported.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation.
Firefighters Use Drone to Battle Separate Ocala House Fire
Marion County Fire Rescue used aerial technology Saturday afternoon to help firefighters locate hotspots during a residential fire.
Crews responded around 3:30 p.m. near Southwest 27th Avenue and Southwest 87th Place.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the house. Because there were no nearby fire hydrants, crews used multiple hose lines while a drone was deployed overhead to identify remaining hotspots.
The fire was brought under control by 3:46 p.m.
No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Marion County Adopts $1.736 Billion Budget
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has formally adopted its budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The final spending plan totals approximately $1.736 billion.
The countywide property-tax rate is 4.28 mills, meaning $4.28 for every $1,000 of taxable property value after exemptions.
The budget includes staffing increases, particularly in public safety. County officials say Marion County’s tax rate remains among the ten lowest in Florida.
Navy Bombing Exercises Begin Today in Ocala National Forest
The U.S. Navy begins four days of scheduled inert bombing exercises today at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest.
Today’s training periods are scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Additional exercises are scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Military officials caution that the activity can temporarily displace wildlife. Motorists traveling near the range, particularly along Forest Service Road 22, are being advised to watch for animals entering roadways.
The exercises involve inert ordnance.
WingHouse Permanently Closes Ocala Restaurant
WingHouse Bar & Grill has permanently closed its Ocala restaurant at 2145 East Silver Springs Boulevard.
The restaurant had temporarily closed following a September 25 state health inspection that found 17 violations, including pest-related violations.
The restaurant failed two subsequent follow-up inspections before passing another inspection September 28. Management nevertheless announced October 1 that the Ocala location would permanently close.
The closure leaves another available restaurant space along the East Silver Springs Boulevard commercial corridor.
