Ocala Morning News — Thursday, October 22, 2026
Marion County Approves Major Development Near Future I-75 Interchange
Marion County commissioners have approved a large mixed-use development in northwest Ocala despite objections from nearby residents.
The project, approved Tuesday, October 20, is located near the intersection of Northwest 49th Street and Northwest 44th Avenue.
Plans allow for up to 535 residential units, a 500-room hotel, and approximately 450,000 square feet of commercial development, including retail, restaurants, and office space.
The development is planned near the future Interstate 75 interchange and the proposed Buc-ee's travel center.
Longtime residents Natalie and Evelyn Kelly, whose family has lived beside the property for approximately 60 years, say they are concerned about traffic, security, and the loss of established trees.
The family is asking the county to consider moving a planned roadway approximately ten feet to preserve four historic oak trees.
The county's approval allows the project to move forward, although construction schedules and additional permitting requirements remain to be determined.
Marion County Approves Nearly $765,000 for Opioid Recovery Programs
Marion County officials have approved $764,868.94 to support six programs addressing opioid addiction and recovery during the 2026–27 fiscal year.
The funding is part of the county's Regional Opioid Abatement Plan.
The approved allocations include:
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Wear Gloves Dignity House — up to $261,250.
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Open Arms Village Women's Village — up to $147,449.50.
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WellFlorida Council's Nurse-Family Partnership — up to $93,005.
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Lost & Found Club — up to $158,664.44.
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Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office — up to $52,250.
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Fifth Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office — up to $52,250.
The programs will focus on recovery housing, support for pregnant and postpartum women, connections to treatment, and services for people involved in the criminal justice system.
The Marion County Hospital District will administer the regional opioid settlement funding.
Commissioners Reject Settlement for Food-Waste Composting Operation
Marion County commissioners have unanimously rejected a proposed settlement that could have reopened a controversial composting permit application.
The proposal involved an existing vegetative debris composting facility at 8510 and 8548 Northwest Gainesville Road.
The operators sought permission to add equipment for processing expired grocery-store food waste.
Commissioners originally denied the application in June.
The applicants subsequently sought relief through a state land-use dispute resolution process.
The proposed settlement would have allowed the application to return for another formal hearing.
During Tuesday's meeting, residents and representatives of nearby Fessenden Elementary School expressed concerns about odors, groundwater contamination, insects, and other environmental effects.
Commissioners rejected the settlement unanimously.
The dispute is expected to continue through the special magistrate process.
BJ's Wholesale Club Opens First Ocala Warehouse Friday
BJ's Wholesale Club is preparing to open its first Ocala warehouse tomorrow, Friday, October 23.
The new store is located in the Winding Oaks development near Southwest State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Avenue.
The membership-based warehouse will offer groceries, fresh produce, meats, bakery items, household merchandise, electronics, and other products.
Additional services include a tire center, propane, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery.
The attached gas station opened earlier this month.
BJ's has also announced a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to donate surplus food to local assistance programs.
The new store will compete with the existing Sam's Club on Southwest College Road.
Fine Arts for Ocala Festival Returns Downtown This Weekend
Downtown Ocala will welcome artists and visitors for the 59th annual Fine Arts for Ocala festival this weekend.
The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.
Artists from across the country will display original paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and other works.
The annual festival is organized by Fine Arts for Ocala, commonly known as FAFO.
The event is one of the area's longstanding cultural traditions and attracts visitors from throughout Central Florida.
Admission is free.
Free Family Movie Night Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week Friday
The Marion County Children's Alliance and CASA will host a free Red Ribbon Week kickoff event tomorrow evening at the Ocala Drive-In Theatre.
The event runs from 5:30 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, October 23, at 4850 South Pine Avenue.
Activities include a first-responder vehicle display, bounce houses, games, giveaways, and a family tailgate gathering.
Four films are scheduled across the drive-in's two screens, including Night at the Museum, A Goofy Movie, and Back to the Future.
The event promotes healthy, drug-free lifestyles and provides a free evening of family entertainment.
No advance registration is required.
