Ocala News

In yet another case of nature losing because of human encroachment it appears that a Florida Black Bear has been condemed to death after an encounter with a woman in Longwood Florida. It’s sad that an animal such as the Florida bear has to be euthanized rather than relocated to somewhere more suitable like here in the [...]

Here is a great video tour of Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest from OrlandoSentinel.com that makes for a great commercial that really highlights all that is wonderful about this beautiful natural attraction. Alexander Springs is 1 of 33 first-magnitude springs in the State of Florida and one of the most cherished by residents [...]

Marion County deputies have pulled a dead man from Farles Lake in the Ocala National Forest on Saturday morning. The man appears to be a follower of the Rainbow Family Gathering that takes place each February and was found by three other Rainbow brothers face down in the lake in the early morning hours. According [...]

The Wildlife Society, a University of Florida Student Group, planted 1600 seedlings in the Ocala National Forest to repair damaged scrub habitats under power lines where atv vehicles have ripped the natural environment. It’s very nice to see any kind of repair or replanting work done in the forest. I am enthralled to see a [...]

Is the economy affecting local fire safety? Marion County is laying off fire and rescue staff and this is a trend taking place across central Florida according to new reports. This is as alarming as a fire and no staff to fight The ideas for county fire and police services to consolidate may take years [...]

Hunters in the Hopkins Unit of the Ocala Wildlife Management area should be in the lookout for parts from the crashed military jet which landed in the area a few months back. Specifically they should keep an eye out for fan blades and other parts which have not been found and may prove important to determining the cause of the crash.

So for anyone who thinks it would be cool to have these parts for keepsakes or conversation pieces remember that the military needs to understand why this Harrier crashed and what can be done to avoid another crash in the future. DO NOT keep the jet parts!!

FWC asks if you have seen parts of a crashed Harrier jet | Ocala.com

We all know that Marion County is the Horse Capital of the World but did you know we also have a problem caring for some of the many horses that live here amongst us?

The Adopt-a-Horse Club, formerly known as JNB Horse Haven Farm, in Weirsdale, Fla is having a difficult time keeping up with costs since they lost their insurance and the ability to offer horse rides in the Ocala National Forest. For being such an important organization in an area which no doubt covets the equine species i find it odd that they are not afford better conditions for these ailing animals.

I think the Adopt-a-Horse Club provides a valuable public service which not only helps the horse community but benefits all of those who get to visit the horse farm to view these majestic animals. Is there anything any of us can do to help the Adopt-a-Horse Club in Ocala/ If you can help then please contact them for details.
 

As someone who has lived in the Ocala National Forest for a number of years and has heard the military jets dropping munitions at the U.S. Navy's Pinecastle Bombing Range and has felt the ground shake when they do it I am well aware of the fear many forest residents have about a crash. I remember the walls shaking in our home and wondering to myself just how close those planes were and how easy it would be for a mistake to be made. I not only feared the planes crashing but a pilot error that released a bomb to close to the house. Our home in the forest seems to be on some flight path and it is not uncommon to watch airplanes in the sky all the time.

National Archives and Records Administration

OCALA, ca. 1945 – ca. 1950

U.S. Information Agency. (1982 – 10/01/1999)

ARC Identifier 46994 / Local Identifier 306.123.

Documentary: Examines the creation of Ocala National Forest in central Florida. Young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps clear underbrush and create fire breaks in the forest; game refuge and controlled hunting area are designated; natural springs are adapted for public swimming. Scenes of alligators, birds and monkeys.

Made possible by a donation from John and Paige Curran.

This video from the National Archives discusses the creation of the Ocala National Forest. It was produced by the Department of Agriculture which is telling in a sense. Although they mention the great fishing and beauty of the area it seems a major focus and reason for the creation was that they wanted to transform vast unused and unfarmable area into valuable public property that can be used for pulp wood production.

The funny thing is that is exactly what they have. The Ocala National Forest is a giant paper tree farm controlled by the container corporations and paper manufacturers with little to no focus on recreational use any longer. Yes people still use the forest but not to the extent that they can or should.

When was the last time you and your family enjoyed this natural resource?

Product Description
Experience the American Journey through our country’s visual heritage in this historical recording provided by the National Archives of the United States. This USIA documentary examines the creation of Ocala National Forest in central Florida. Shows young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps clearing underbrush and creating fire breaks in the forest. Various game refuges and controlled hunting areas are established. Natural springs are adapted for public swimming. Included are scenes of alligators, birds, and monkeys. This historical recording from the National Archives may contain variations in audio and video quality based on the limitations of the original source material. The content summary for this DVD is adapted from an historical description provided by the government agency or donor at the time of production release.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply.