Pedestrian Killed by Freight Train in Northeast Ocala
The Ocala Police Department is investigating a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and a CSX freight train early Thursday morning.
Officers responded at approximately 1:22 a.m. October 15 to the 1000 block of Northeast 14th Street, behind the 14th Street Plaza.
According to investigators, an eastbound CSX freight train struck an adult male after the train crew observed something on the tracks and attempted to stop.
The man died from his injuries.
The collision caused significant traffic disruptions across northeast Ocala.
Railroad crossings from North Magnolia Avenue to Northeast 25th Avenue remained blocked for more than six hours while investigators processed the scene.
The crossings reopened at approximately 7:40 a.m.
Police have not publicly released the victim's identity, and the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Historic Ocala Drive-In Theatre Listed for $1.8 Million
One of Florida's few remaining drive-in movie theaters is now on the real estate market.
The Ocala Drive-In Theatre, located at 4850 South Pine Avenue, has been listed for sale with an asking price of $1,799,900.
The property encompasses approximately 11.6 acres along U.S. Highway 441 and features more than 920 feet of highway frontage.
The site is zoned B-4, allowing a variety of commercial uses.
Existing improvements include the outdoor movie screens, projection and concession facilities, an owner's apartment, and covered structures used for flea-market activities.
The property has public water and sewer connections.
The Ocala Drive-In has been a longtime destination for moviegoers and flea-market shoppers.
Although the property is listed for sale, the owner says the business remains open.
No sale or redevelopment plan has been announced.
Marion County Deputies Make Arrest Following E-Bike Theft
The Marion County Sheriff's Office is crediting community members with helping investigators identify a suspect in the theft of an electric bicycle.
Deputies released surveillance footage of the theft through social media and asked residents for assistance identifying the individual.
The video generated information that helped investigators make an arrest.
The Sheriff's Office says the case demonstrates how surveillance footage and community tips can assist in solving property crimes.
The investigation was reported early Friday morning, October 16.
Pedestrian Seriously Injured in Collision with Semi-Truck
Ocala Police are also investigating a separate pedestrian crash involving a tractor-trailer.
The collision occurred Wednesday night, October 14, shortly before 9:50 p.m. near Northwest Blitchton Road and Northwest 35th Avenue Road.
According to police, a pedestrian was struck by a semi-truck and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Officers closed westbound lanes of Northwest Blitchton Road between Northwest 35th Avenue Road and Interstate 75 while investigating the crash.
No additional details about the pedestrian's condition or possible charges had been announced in the latest reports reviewed.
The crash occurred just hours before Thursday morning's fatal train collision.
Fort King Haunted Trail Returns Saturday
The annual Fort King Haunted Trail returns to the Fort King National Historic Landmark on Saturday, October 17.
The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at 3925 East Fort King Street in Ocala.
Activities include free trick-or-treating for children, living-history demonstrations, field games, photo opportunities, and food trucks.
The Marion County Public Library System and Ocali Storytelling Guild will present Phantoms in the Fort: Stories Under the Stars.
Beginning at 8 p.m., the storytelling and haunted-trail experiences become more frightening and are intended for older participants.
Family-friendly costumes are encouraged.
Admission is free.
Pet Palooza Comes to World Equestrian Center This Weekend
Animal lovers will have an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of pet-focused activities at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
Pet Palooza takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The event will be held at Expo Center 2, located at 1598 Northwest 87th Court Road.
Activities include live entertainment, pet demonstrations, adoption opportunities, and exhibits.
Among the scheduled performances is Amazing Veranica & Her Talented Dogs.
The event brings together animal enthusiasts, rescue organizations, and businesses offering pet-related products and services.
Ocala Woman Identified as $5 Million Lottery Winner
An Ocala woman has been identified as the winner of a $5 million Florida Lottery scratch-off prize.
Robin Vollmer purchased the winning $5,000,000 Triple Match ticket at Quick King Food Store #22, located at 8955 Southwest Highway 200.
The ticket was purchased June 5.
Vollmer elected to receive a one-time cash payment of $3,319,810.
The retailer received a $10,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
The winner's identity became public after Florida's temporary confidentiality period for major lottery winners expired.
The announcement adds to a series of major lottery prizes associated with the State Road 200 corridor this year.
