News
Waste Management Thanksgiving Holiday
The Employees of Waste Management will be observing the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday, November 27th. There will be no collection service on this day.
Services for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday will be as follows:
Thursday Curbside Garbage/Trash Services will be picked up on Friday, November 28th.
Additionally, there will be no Commercial Container Services on the holiday. Those customers whose service day falls on Thursday will have their container serviced on an alternate day during the week.
Draft 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan
The Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Draft Navigating the Future 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan is available for public review.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c88b20f1d8e74c5f96dd7fdc9f98a5c3
Comments may be submitted by e-mail to: OcalaMarionTPO@marionfl.org or mailed to 2710 E. Silver Springs Boulevard Ocala, FL 34470. All comments received will be presented to the TPO Board on October 28, 2025 at a Public Hearing. The public comment period is from September 29 to October 28.
A Public Hearing for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan will be held at the Marion County Commission Auditorium on October 28 at 3:00 pm. A public comment period will be held during the meeting.
Public comments may also be presented in person at a Public Open House for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Plan and on September 30. The Public Open House will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Mary Sue Rich Center at Reed Place – 1821 NW 21st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475.
DOH-Marion Issues Rabies Advisory
Marion County, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a fox that was captured in the Dunnellon area off 217th Court Road in Marion County on September 16, 2025. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.
People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Marion by calling 352-629-0137.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Marion County Animal Services at 352-671-8727.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137.
Commitment to Zero 2025 Safety Report
The Ocala Marion TPO has released the 2025 Commitment to Zero Safety Report and Dashboard.
To view the report: http://ocalamariontpo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Safety-Report.pdf
To view the dashboard: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/00fd59b069bf46c5b203a3bb09870f6a
U.S. 41 (Williams Street) Paving Project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is making improvements U.S. 41 (Williams Street) from north of the Citrus County line to Southwest 110th Street in Dunnellon. The 1.41 miles project includes resurfacing the roadway to extend its life and reconstructing the intersection of U.S. 41 and Pennsylvania Avenue (County Road 484) to allow for a free-flowing right turn. A designated right turn lane will be added, bringing all turning movements under signal control for improved safety. Other improvements include traffic signal upgrades on U.S. 41 at Pennsylvania Avenue, Powell Road, Brooks Street, and Southwest 110th Street. Pedestrian crosswalks and curb ramps will also be installed to enhance pedestrian safety and meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During construction, motorists should expect planned daytime and/or overnight lane closures as needed. Electronic message boards and other signage will direct traffic through the work zone. Uneven pavement is a common condition in resurfacing projects, as the contractor must place several layers throughout construction. Motorists should reduce speed, obey posted signage, and remain alert when travelling through the work zone. The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather or unexpected circumstances. For more information, including scheduled lane closures, please visit https://www.cflroads.com/project/448526-1.
TPO News Release
The Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Marion Transit (MT) have updated the five-year Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP), which is now available for public review and comment.
The TDSP is a strategic and visionary document, updated annually to address the mobility needs of transportation-disadvantaged residents in Marion County.
The Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) welcomes public input on the updated TDSP and encourages community feedback through Monday, June 2, 2025.
Your insights are important. By participating, you can help identify areas for improvement, highlight potential service gaps, and offer valuable perspectives that contribute to enhancing local transportation services.
To view the plan, visit www.ocalamariontpo.org/plans-and-programs/transportation-disadvantaged-service-plan/
We value your feedback. Please share your input using the following methods:
Email: Liz.Mitchell@marionfl.org OR Phone: 352-438-2634
Volunteers Needed to Fill Board Vacancies
The City of Dunnellon is seeking volunteers to serve on the Historic Preservation Board and Planning Commission. Attendance at monthly meetings is required. If you are interested in volunteering your time by serving on one of these boards, please notify the City Clerk at 352-465-8500 or click HERE for an application.
Active Transportation Plan
What is the Active Transportation Plan?
Active Transportation is human-powered mobility, such as biking, walking, or rolling. Marion County is recognized as one of the premier areas in Florida for bicycling, hiking and walking, and equestrian activities. The county has an abundance of trails, open space, parks, and facilities that support non-motorized forms of transportation for both traveling and recreational purposes.
The TPO’s Active Transportation Plan will create a resource and comprehensive recommendations for improving the existing active transportation system in Marion County, including all unincorporated areas and the cities of Belleview, Dunnellon, and Ocala. In order to create this plan, an evaluation will be taken of the current non-motorized transportation network and a survey conducted of community needs. This plan will also include an analysis of the estimated economic and community benefits of non-motorized transportation in Marion County.
The Active Transportation Plan will be developed alongside the other TPO core plans (LRTP, TIP, and LOPP) by creating a specific plan that will identify project needs to support active transportation.