Ocala Announces 10 Arrests Following Underage Sales Sting
Ocala officials say ten arrests have been made following an undercover operation targeting businesses allegedly selling restricted products to minors.
Mayor Ben Marciano told the Ocala City Council that underage buyers were sent into smoke shops and gas stations during an operation conducted over the past two weeks.
According to Marciano, 10 businesses made sales to the underage buyers, resulting in 10 arrests.
The mayor also said Ocala is working with the Florida Attorney General’s Office on additional enforcement efforts involving kratom.
The city is developing a public-education campaign with the Marion County Children’s Alliance, while the city attorney is working on an ordinance that could come before city leaders within the next several weeks.
Police Chief Mike Balken has previously warned local retailers that employees must verify customers’ ages when selling regulated products.
Ocala Man Faces Human-Trafficking and Child-Exploitation Charges
The Ocala Police Department has arrested a 69-year-old Ocala man following an investigation by the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit.
Police say William Hoyle faces multiple felony charges involving possession and distribution of child sexual-abuse material, human trafficking, transmission of harmful material to a minor and other alleged offenses.
Investigators say the case began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to Ocala Police, investigators subsequently used forensic analysis, subpoenas and search warrants during the investigation.
A search warrant was executed at Hoyle’s Ocala residence on October 1.
Police allege that investigators uncovered communications involving requests for child-abuse material and other illegal conduct.
The charges are allegations. Hoyle is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Marion County School Board Holds Special Meeting Today
The Marion County School Board has several meetings scheduled for today.
A special School Board meeting concerning early re-entry begins at 8 a.m. at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium.
An administrative briefing and work session follows at 9 a.m.
The district is also scheduled to hold an attorney-client session during the morning.
Meanwhile, Marion County Public Schools is continuing its effort to recruit additional school-bus drivers.
Open interviews are scheduled today from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the district Transportation Department Compound.
BJ’s Opens New Ocala Gas Station Today
BJ’s Wholesale Club opens the gas station at its new Ocala location today, October 8.
The station is located at 6500 Southwest State Road 200 in the Winding Oaks development.
Construction continues on the main BJ’s Wholesale Club warehouse on the approximately 11.7-acre property.
When completed, the warehouse will offer bulk groceries, fresh produce, a deli, bakery, household merchandise and consumer electronics. Plans also include an attached package store.
The company has not yet announced the opening date for the main warehouse.
BJ’s is also planning a promotional event on October 21 when members will be offered regular gasoline for $2 per gallon, subject to a 30-gallon purchase limit.
South Marion School Rezoning Proposal Gets Community Review
Marion County Public Schools held a community meeting Wednesday night concerning proposed attendance-boundary changes affecting Marion Oaks Elementary, Ross Prairie Elementary and Sunrise Elementary.
District figures show Ross Prairie operating above its stated capacity, at about 114 percent utilization, while Sunrise is at approximately 70 percent and Marion Oaks at 89 percent.
The district says the proposed rezoning is intended to balance enrollment, make better use of existing school capacity and reduce operating costs.
If ultimately approved by the School Board, the new attendance boundaries would take effect for the 2027-28 school year.
Navy Training at Pinecastle Range Concludes Today
The U.S. Navy is scheduled to complete this week’s training exercises at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest today.
Two periods of inert bombing exercises are scheduled: 9:15 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The training uses inert ordnance, although residents in surrounding areas may hear aircraft and explosions.
Military officials also caution drivers near the range to watch for wildlife that may be temporarily displaced by the activity.
Ocala Breeding Industry Posts Strong Yearling Sale
The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company concluded its October Yearling Sale Wednesday.
The two-day sale produced $6.78 million in total sales from 267 yearlings, with both the average and median prices increasing.
A filly by Girvin, bred by Ocala’s Glen Hill Farm, reportedly topped the sale at $190,000, providing another indicator of activity in Marion County’s thoroughbred industry.
