Ocala Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident on Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred Monday morning, October 12, near downtown Ocala.
The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Lisa Julian.
According to police, Julian was crossing State Road 40, also known as Silver Springs Boulevard, when she was struck by an eastbound vehicle driven by a 64-year-old man.
The accident occurred shortly before 7 a.m. near the intersection with Pine Avenue.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of eastbound lanes of Silver Springs Boulevard while police investigated.
Family members are asking investigators to determine exactly what happened.
Police have not confirmed whether Julian was in a marked crosswalk when she was struck.
No charges had been announced as of Monday afternoon.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Marion County School Board Considers $3.9 Million Purchase of New School Buses
Marion County Public Schools is seeking approval to purchase 22 new school buses at a total cost of $3,915,796.
The proposal is scheduled for consideration during tonight's School Board meeting.
The purchase would include 13 standard school buses, eight full-size buses equipped with wheelchair lifts, and one smaller bus with a wheelchair lift.
The vehicles would be purchased through two separate agreements.
Six buses would come from Sun State International Truck at a cost of approximately $1.06 million.
The remaining 16 would be purchased from Matthews Bus Alliance for approximately $2.86 million.
All vehicles would include GPS tracking, interior safety cameras and additional safety equipment.
District officials say Marion County operates approximately 250 school buses daily and must regularly replace aging vehicles.
The proposed purchase would be funded through the district's Capital Projects Fund.
Officials caution that delivery could take up to a year.
Meeting: Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 p.m., Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 East Fort King Street, Ocala.
Ocala International Airport May Become Ocala National Airport
The City of Ocala's Airport Advisory Board is scheduled to discuss a proposal today to rename Ocala International Airport.
The proposed name is Ocala National Airport.
According to city documents, the current international designation has sometimes caused confusion among travelers who assume the airport provides scheduled commercial airline service.
The airport primarily serves general aviation, business aviation and other aircraft operations.
Airport officials say there is no regulatory requirement forcing the name change.
The Federal Aviation Administration has not provided specific guidance requiring the airport to retain or remove the international designation.
The proposal will be discussed during the Airport Advisory Board's meeting this morning.
Other agenda items include planning for the 2027 Wings Over Ocala Air Show and airport infrastructure improvements.
Meeting: Tuesday, October 13, at 9 a.m., Ocala City Hall, 110 Southeast Watula Avenue.
No final name change has been approved.
Marion County Schools Report 23 Student Expulsions During First Month
A new Marion County Public Schools disciplinary report shows 23 students were expelled during the first month of the 2026–27 school year.
The report covers incidents occurring between the beginning of classes on August 10 and early September.
During that period, the district recorded 68 alternative placements.
The expulsions included 11 middle school students, 10 high school students and two elementary school students.
Reported disciplinary violations included fighting, battery, drug-related offenses, threats and weapons violations.
The report also identifies students placed in alternative educational programs rather than expelled.
School Board members are expected to review the figures during tonight's regular meeting.
For comparison, Marion County Public Schools reported approximately 196 expulsions during the previous school year.
District officials continue evaluating disciplinary trends and student-support programs.
Ocala Man Identified as $2 Million Powerball Winner
An Ocala resident has been officially identified as the winner of a $2 million Powerball prize.
Florida Lottery records identify the winner as Douglas Warren Franz.
The winning ticket was purchased at Quality Wine & Spirits, located at 6160 Southwest State Road 200 in Ocala.
Franz matched five numbers in the June 20 Powerball drawing.
The winning numbers were 16, 20, 44, 48 and 50, with a Powerball of 15.
Franz selected his own numbers rather than using a computer-generated Quick Pick.
He elected to receive his winnings as a lump-sum payment.
His identity became public following the expiration of Florida's 90-day confidentiality period for major lottery winners.
Marion County Transit Services Face Changes Beginning in January
Marion County officials are preparing for changes in the administration of transportation services for elderly residents and people with disabilities.
Marion Senior Services, which operates Marion Transit, has notified the Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization that it intends to stop serving as the county's Community Transportation Coordinator effective December 31.
The organization currently coordinates transportation services for eligible residents who cannot use conventional transportation.
The Transportation Planning Organization is working to select a replacement coordinator.
Proposals were due October 12, and the state Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is scheduled to approve the new arrangement December 10.
The transition is expected to take effect January 1, 2027.
Officials are working to maintain service continuity for residents who depend on the program.
Marion County Seniors Invited to November Fall-Prevention Event
Marion County residents are being encouraged to participate in an upcoming event focused on preventing falls among older adults.
Stay Safe & STEADI Marion returns November 6.
The event will bring together seniors, caregivers and healthcare professionals to discuss practical ways to reduce fall risks.
Topics include home safety, mobility and fall-prevention resources.
The program is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI initiative, which focuses on identifying and reducing fall risks among older adults.
Additional information about participation is expected from event organizers.
