Marion County, Florida

08/10/2026

WHEN DO YOU STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES?
Marion County Schools start tomorrow, which means buses will return to the roads. Please see below to help you know when you need to stop or yield for a school bus.

If you are on a two-lane road, you MUST STOP!
If you are on a multi-lane road, you MUST STOP!
If you are on a multi-lane road with a left-turning lane, you MUST STOP!
If you are on a divided highway(with a raised median or physical barrier), the vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus MUST STOP. Still, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must proceed cautiously.

Please share this to help keep our kids safe! Remember to watch for school buses; our future is riding on them!

08/09/2026

The Silver River is now reopened to the public.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in conjunction with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office finalized their operation.

Any further updates or detailed information will be provided by the FWC.

08/09/2026

08/07/2026

“Just put data centers on hold.” Sounds simple, right? There’s actually a process.

Florida law, including F.S. 125.66, requires a public process when counties consider ordinances and moratoriums.

We invite our community to be informed and involved. Attend a meeting, watch online and follow along as this process continues.

Here are the key dates:

Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing

Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners Data Center Workshop
Rescheduled from Sept. 1

Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners public hearing

📍 McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium
601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

For full agendas and to watch meetings online, visit marionfl.org/agendas.

08/05/2026

Meet our Pets of the Week!!

Percy Jackson A385516 – Percy is a 1 year old neutered male. Percy is social with other dogs and loves a good dip in the pool. He is calm but has an adventurous side, Percy loves treats and takes them gently.

Nalu A385058 – Nalu is a 2 year old spayed female. Nalu has some get up and go but burns her energy quickly then loves a good hangout session. She is social with other dogs and loves to play fetch. Nalu has been around children and proved that she enjoyed their company.

Wes A384777 – Wes is a 2 year old neutered male. Wes is a bit on the mysterious side but loves affection on his terms. He is a sleek black cat with a whole lot of charm, he does enjoy gentle attention and a pet on the head.

August Promo - Clear the Shelter Month! Free Adoptions!!

We will also be open until 7pm on August 29th and open Sunday August 30th 12-4pm exclusively for adoptions

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

Today, the Board of County Commissioners celebrated the incredible success of our annual School Supply Drive! 🎒🏆

From creative department contests to loading up the school bus outside, our entire County team showed up big to support local youth! All donations will go directly to the MCPS Homeless and Needy Children’s Program to help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn.

Special thanks to MCPS Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer for joining us today, and congratulations to all of our contest-winning departments! 🚌✨

08/03/2026

Clear the Shelters is going on now at Marion County Animal Services and we know Marion County will show up!

Join Marion County Animal Services for the annual Clear the Shelters campaign! We are offering FREE PET ADOPTIONS throughout the month of August in hopes of reaching 500 adoptions! 🐶🐾🐱

We have more than 300 pets waiting for someone like you to show up and choose them. We are located at 6405 FL-40 in Ocala and welcome you to visit Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm to meet all of our adoptable animals. marionfl.org/animal

About Clear the Shelters:
NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear The Shelters in August 2026, a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 1 million pets have found their forever homes since 2015.

07/29/2026

Meet our Pets of the Week!!

Gloria (A382575) - Gloria is a 5-year-old spayed female, she can be a bit shy at first but warms up quickly. She loves playgroup and splashing around in the pool. She is very social and has lots of human and dogs friends but desperately seeking a forever home.

Keaton (A375303) – Keaton is a 2-year-old neutered male, he is an energetic fun-loving pup who loves long walks, playing fetch, and exploring the outdoors. Keaton is selective with dog friends but loves people.

Marie (A384780) – Marie is a 2-year-old spayed female, she is a sweet, beautiful girl that will need a little time to warm up after your first meet. She has a gentle heart and once she feels comfortable will soak up your love and affection.

In recognition of the county’s annual school supply drive and National Parks & Recreation Month, we will be running two specials throughout July:
Free adoptions with the donation of school supplies
Free adoption with proof of an Annual Park Pass