Examine individual changes

'{{Short description|County in Florida, United States}} {{For|counties with a similar name|Marion County (disambiguation)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox U.S. county | county = Marion County | type = County | flag = | seal = Seal of Marion County, Florida.svg | state = Florida | founded year = 1844 | founded date = March 14 | seat wl = Ocala | largest city wl = Ocala | area_total_sq_mi = 1663 | area_land_sq_mi = 1585 | area_water_sq_mi = 78 | area percentage = 4.7% | census yr = 2020 | pop = 375908<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/marioncountyflorida/PST045217 |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Marion County, Florida |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621143428/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/marioncountyflorida/PST045217 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | pop_est_as_of = 2023 | population_est = 409959 {{gain}} | density_sq_mi = 237 | web = www.marioncountyfl.org | district = 3rd | district2 = 6th | time zone = Eastern | named for= [[Francis Marion]] | ex image = Ocala, FL, Courthouse, Marion County, South Side, 06-26-2010 (2).JPG|ex image cap=Marion County Courthouse in Ocala }} '''Marion County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[North Central Florida|North Central]] region of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Florida]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 375,908.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12083.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625055246/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12083.html |archive-date=June 25, 2011 }}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Ocala, Florida|Ocala]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> Marion County comprises the Ocala, Florida [[Metropolitan Statistical Area]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Guidance on the Uses of the Delineations of These Areas |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |access-date=July 21, 2023 |website=Executive Office of the President |page=65}}</ref> It includes part of [[Ocala National Forest]], which also extends into three other counties. The county is situated in the North Central region of Florida. ==History== ===Native Americans=== Evidence of ancient indigenous cultures has been found in Marion County, as well as of the earliest encounter between European explorers and historic indigenous peoples. In 1976, an archaeological investigation found ancient artifacts in Marion County that appear to be the oldest in mainland United States. Excavations at an ancient stone [[quarry]] (on the [[Container Corporation of America]] site (8Mf154) in Marion County) yielded "crude stone implements". Thousands of pieces of [[chert]] were found at the site. These showed signs of extensive wear and were found in deposits below those holding [[Paleo-Indian]] artifacts. [[Thermoluminescence dating]] and [[weathering]] analysis independently gave dates of 26,000 to 28,000 Years Before Present (YBP) for the production of these artifacts, prior to [[Clovis points]]. The findings suggested human habitation in this area much earlier than documented by other evidence.<ref name="purdy">[http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00027829/00016/57j Barbara A. Purdy, "Investigations into the Use of Chert Outcrops by Prehistoric Floridians: The Container Corporation of America Site"], ''Florida Anthropologist'', Vol. 34, No. 2, June 1981, pp. 90-</ref> Barbara Purdy had bipoint evidence from the CCA site, which also predated Clovis points, which she reported in a 2008 paper.<ref name="hranicky">Wm Jack Hranicky, [https://books.google.com/books?id=rvWG3MhhhkUC&dq=Finds+at+Container+Corp+of+America+site+in+Marion+County%2C+FLorida&pg=PA225 ''Bipoints Before Clovis: Trans-Oceanic Migrations and Settlement of Prehistoric Americas''], Universal-Publishers, 2012, p. 225</ref> The county seat of [[Ocala, Florida]], is named for a [[Timucua]]n village visited and recorded by the Spanish [[Hernando de Soto]] expedition in the sixteenth century. During the colonial period, Spain and Great Britain traded control of this area. ===Settlement=== After acquisition of the Florida territory by the United States in the 1820s, Marion County was created in 1844 from portions of [[Alachua County, Florida|Alachua]], Mosquito ([[Orange County, Florida|Orange]]), and [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough]] counties. Until 1853, Marion County included most of what are now [[Lake County, Florida|Lake]] and [[Sumter County, Florida|Sumter]] counties. In 1849, [[Putnam County, Florida|Putnam County]] was created and took the northeast portion of Marion. Levy County's creation took some of the western portion of Marion in 1877, near the end of the Reconstruction era. Marion County is named after General [[Francis Marion]] of [[South Carolina]], a [[guerrilla]] fighter and hero of the [[American Revolutionary War]] who was known as the "Swamp Fox".<ref>{{cite book|title=Publications of the Florida Historical Society|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WZQ-AAAAYAAJ&pg=RA2-PA33|year=1908|publisher=Florida Historical Society|page=33}}</ref> Numerous early settlers of this area were natives of South Carolina and likely picked their local hero as the county's namesake.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tK5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=6903%2C7420165 | title=County's history reflected in its names | work=Ocala Star-Banner | date=May 14, 1987 | access-date=May 30, 2015 | author=Pyle, Nancy | pages=8A}}</ref> The Act creating the county of Marion of the Territory of Florida was signed on March 14, 1844, by the territorial governor, [[R. K. Call]]. The county motto is "Kingdom of the Sun." ===Civil War era=== Marion County was a hotbed of secessionist activity. Organizers petitioned the state to host the [[Florida Secession Convention]] and break away from the United States with other Southern states.<ref name=ocala>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocala.com/news/20080425/the-civil-war-years|title = The Civil War Years}}</ref> The area had many plantations and more than half of the population was [[Slavery in the United States|enslaved African Americans]]. Several Confederate Army units were organized by plantation owners, including the [[Marion Rifle Guards]], organized May 2, 1861, by Captain W.L. Fletcher, county treasurer. It served as part of the Fourth Florida Infantry under Col. Edward Hopkins. Other company's included the [[Hammock Guards]], commanded by Captain J.S. Hopkins; [[Marion Dragoons]], a cavalry unit organized and financed by William A. Owens, [[Marion Hornets]], commanded by Captain [[Wade Eichelberger]], and the [[Marion Light Artillery]], commanded at one time by [[John Marshall Martin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.civilwarmicrofilm.com/site/viewer/unitSoldierIndex.php?regimentREF=10&unitREF=50|title=Civil War Microfilm Roster — Captain Perry's Light Artillery Company, Marion Light Artillery (Florida — Confederate)|website=www.civilwarmicrofilm.com}}</ref><ref name=ocala/> The Civil War and its aftermath disrupted local society and strained the economy. The population declined in its wake as many African Americans moved to towns or cities for better opportunities. ===Post-Reconstruction era to mid-20th century=== During the post-Reconstruction period, there was considerable racial violence in Marion County. Locals [[Lynchings in the United States|lynched]] between 19 and 26 African Americans in the county from the 1880s to 1935.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocala.com/news/20190125/marion-county-like-other-communities-addresses-its-history-of-lynchings|title=Marion County, like other communities, addresses its history of lynchings|last=Medina|first=Carlos E.|website=Ocala.com|language=en|date=January 25, 2019|access-date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> ===Mid-20th century to present=== Since the mid-20th century, thoroughbred horse farms have been established in the county. Such thoroughbred farms have become known for such race champions as [[Needles (horse)|Needles]], bred at Bonnie Heath Farm, and in 1956, becoming the first Florida-bred horse to win the [[Kentucky Derby]]. In 1978 [[Affirmed]] from [[Harbor View Farm]] won the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)|Triple Crown]]. [[Carl G. Rose]], who had come to Florida in 1916 from Indiana to oversee construction of the first asphalt road in the state, is credited with developing the first thoroughbred horse farm in 1943. As an engineer, he had become familiar with the area's limestone, which he realized supported good pasture for raising strong horses. (Limestone also nurtures central Kentucky's noted [[Bluegrass Region]].) In 1943, Rose bought land along State Highway 200, at $10 per acre, establishing Rosemere Farm. The next year one of his horses, Gornil, won at Miami's [[Tropical Park]], becoming the first Florida-raised thoroughbred to win a Florida race. This raised the profile of Marion County in the racing world. Close on Rose's heels, entrepreneur Bonnie Heath set up his own thoroughbred farm, producing [[Needles (horse)|Needles]]. In 1956 the horse was the state's first native-bred winner of the [[Kentucky Derby]]. (see further below). Bonnie Heath Farm is owned and operated by Bonnie Heath III and his wife Kim. In 1978, Marion County-bred-and-raised [[Affirmed]] won the [[Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing|Triple Crown]]. Today, Marion County is a major world thoroughbred center with more than 1200 horse farms. There are about 900 thoroughbred farms, totaling some {{convert|77000|acre|km2}}. Ocala is well known as a "horse capital of the world."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ocalacc.com/ocala_florida/templates/tourism.aspx?articleid=18 |title=The Horse Capital of the World |publisher=Ocalacc.com |access-date=January 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925032651/http://www.ocalacc.com/ocala_florida/templates/tourism.aspx?articleid=18 |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ===Tourism=== The nearby community of [[Silver Springs, Florida|Silver Springs]] developed around the [[Silver Springs (attraction)|Silver Springs]], a group of [[artesian springs]] on the [[Silver River (Florida)|Silver River]]. In the 19th century, this site became Florida's first tourist destination. Today, well known for [[glass-bottom boat]] tours of the area, Silver Springs is owned by the State of Florida; it was incorporated into [[Silver Springs State Park]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thompson |first=Bill |url=http://www.ocala.com/article/20130123/ARTICLES/130129891?p=1&tc=pg%20 |title=State lets Palace Entertainment out of Silver Springs lease |website=Ocala.com |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://wlrn.org/post/silver-springs-oldest-florida-tourist-attraction-will-become-state-park |title= Silver Springs, Oldest Florida Tourist Attraction, Will Become A State Park |last1= Stone |first1= Rick |date= January 24, 2013 |website= wlrn.com |publisher= WLRN |access-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> Other nearby natural attractions include the [[Ocala National Forest]] and the [[Florida Trail]]. Several prominent man-made attractions in the Ocala area existed in the past, such as the [[Western (genre)|Western-themed]] [[Six Gun Territory]] [[theme park]] (operated from 1963 to 1984) and the [[Wild Waters]] [[water park]] (operated from 1978 to 2016). ==Geography== {{More citations needed section|date=February 2007}} According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], Marion is the fifth largest county in the state, with a total area of {{convert|4,310|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|3,962|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} is land and {{convert|195|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} (4.7%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> Marion County is generally composed of rolling hills, much like most of the rest of Florida. The highest elevation is about {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}}. The majority of its trees consist of live oaks, pines, and palm trees. It is about a two-hour drive from Marion County to many of Florida's major cities; [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] is 75 minutes to the southeast, while [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]] is about 90 minutes to the east. [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] is about 75 minutes to the southwest, [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] is roughly a two-hour drive northeast, and [[Miami, Florida|Miami]] is about six hours to the southeast. There are several significant lakes within or bordering Marion County. Orange Lake is in the far northern part of Marion County, near the border with [[Alachua County, Florida|Alachua County]]. [[Lake Kerr]] is in the northeastern part of the county, near the town of [[Salt Springs, Florida|Salt Springs]], which is near the border with [[Putnam County, Florida|Putnam County]]. [[Lake Weir]], the largest of the three, is in the far southern region, near the border with [[Lake County, Florida|Lake County]]. Part of [[Lake George (Florida)|Lake George]] is also in Marion County. Marion County is inland, centered between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to the west. Because of this, the area is generally not affected as much by hurricanes as the more coastal counties to its east and west. The largest threats from natural disasters are high winds and flooding; tornadoes are also of concern. ===Adjacent counties=== * [[Putnam County, Florida]] – northeast * [[Volusia County, Florida]] – east * [[Lake County, Florida]] – southeast * [[Sumter County, Florida]] – south * [[Citrus County, Florida]] – southwest * [[Levy County, Florida]] – west * [[Alachua County, Florida]] – northwest ===National protected area=== * [[Ocala National Forest]] (part) ==Demographics== {{US Census population |1850= 3338 |1860= 8609 |1870= 10804 |1880= 13046 |1890= 20796 |1900= 24403 |1910= 26941 |1920= 23968 |1930= 29578 |1940= 31243 |1950= 38187 |1960= 51616 |1970= 69030 |1980= 122488 |1990= 194833 |2000= 258916 |2010= 331298 |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 15, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=June 15, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/fl190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 15, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 15, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2019<ref name="QF" /> |2020=375908 |estyear=2023 |estimate=409959 |estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 31, 2024}}</ref>}} {| class="wikitable" |+'''Marion County racial composition as of 2020'''<br /> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=May 18, 2022}}</ref>}} !Race !Pop 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US12083&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2 |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> !Pop 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US12083&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> !% 2010 !% 2020 |- |[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH) |245,136 |253,837 |73.99% |67.53% |- |[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH) |39,337 |42,795 |11.87% |11.38% |- |[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH) |983 |986 |0.3% |0.26% |- |[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH) |4,337 |5,973 |1.31% |1.59% |- |[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH) |121 |148 |0.04% |0.04% |- |Some Other Race (NH) |647 |1,747 |0.2% |0.46% |- |[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH) |4,600 |14,512 |1.39% |3.86% |- |[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] |36,137 |55,910 |10.91% |14.87% |- |'''Total''' |'''331,298''' |'''375,908''' | | |} As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 375,908 people, 145,863 households, and 94,676 families residing in the county. As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 14, 2011|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 258,916 people, 106,755 households, and 74,621 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|164|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people}}. There were 122,663 dwelling units at an average density of {{convert|78|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 84.16% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 11.55% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.45% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.70% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.02% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.69% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.44% from two or more races. 6.03% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. According to the [[2000 United States Census|2000 Census]] the largest European ancestry groups in Marion County were [[English-American|English]] (18.7%), [[German-American|German]] (16.7%) and [[Irish-American|Irish]] (14.0%). There were 106,755 households, out of which 24.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.60% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.79. In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.40% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 23.80% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 24.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.90 males. The median income for a household in the county was $31,944, and the median income for a family was $37,473. Males had a median income of $28,836 versus $21,855 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $17,848. About 9.20% of families and 13.10% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 7.40% of those age 65 or over. ==Politics== {{expand section|date=August 2020}} The county is governed by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. The five-person board currently consists of Craig Curry, Kathy Bryant, Matt McClain, Carl Zalak and Michelle Stone. [https://www.marionfl.org/my-commissioners] The [[Florida Department of Corrections]] operates facilities in [[unincorporated area]]s in the county, including the [[Lowell Correctional Institution]], and the [[Lowell Annex]]<ref>"[http://www.dc.state.fl.us/facilities/region3/314.html Lowell Correctional Institution] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228103707/http://www.dc.state.fl.us/facilities/region3/314.html |date=February 28, 2014 }}." [[Florida Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on August 31, 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.dc.state.fl.us/facilities/region3/367.html Lowell Annex] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818055723/http://www.dc.state.fl.us/facilities/region3/367.html |date=August 18, 2010 }}." [[Florida Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on August 31, 2010.</ref> which houses Florida's female death row.<ref name="FloridaDR">"[http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/ Death Row Fact Sheet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803163540/http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/ |date=August 3, 2010 }}." [[Florida Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on August 15, 2010.</ref> {{PresHead|place=Marion County, Florida|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=June 15, 2018}}</ref>}} <!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} --> {{PresRow|2024|Republican|140,173|72,436|2,134|Florida}} {{PresRow|2020|Republican|127,826|74,858|2,032|Florida}} {{PresRow|2016|Republican|107,833|62,041|6,026|Florida}} {{PresRow|2012|Republican|93,043|66,831|1,864|Florida}} {{PresRow|2008|Republican|89,628|70,839|2,075|Florida}} {{PresRow|2004|Republican|81,283|57,271|1,123|Florida}} {{PresRow|2000|Republican|55,146|44,674|3,151|Florida}} {{PresRow|1996|Republican|41,409|37,045|11,717|Florida}} {{PresRow|1992|Republican|35,442|30,829|20,718|Florida}} {{PresRow|1988|Republican|41,501|20,685|334|Florida}} {{PresRow|1984|Republican|37,815|16,225|6|Florida}} {{PresRow|1980|Republican|23,743|15,400|1,449|Florida}} {{PresRow|1976|Democratic|16,163|16,963|553|Florida}} {{PresRow|1972|Republican|19,505|5,397|46|Florida}} {{PresRow|1968|American Independent|7,468|5,798|9,600|Florida}} {{PresRow|1964|Republican|10,879|9,112|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1960|Democratic|7,043|7,206|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1956|Republican|6,362|6,114|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1952|Republican|6,134|5,854|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1948|Democratic|1,829|4,650|1,677|Florida}} {{PresRow|1944|Democratic|1,642|5,597|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1940|Democratic|1,297|6,127|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1936|Democratic|760|4,664|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1932|Democratic|962|3,208|0|Florida}} {{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,927|1,863|83|Florida}} {{PresRow|1924|Democratic|359|1,528|194|Florida}} {{PresRow|1920|Democratic|1,232|2,436|234|Florida}} {{PresRow|1916|Democratic|462|1,567|340|Florida}} {{PresRow|1912|Democratic|179|1,165|303|Florida}} {{PresRow|1908|Democratic|482|1,352|352|Florida}} {{PresRow|1904|Democratic|230|1,091|131|Florida}} {{PresRow|1900|Democratic|264|1,132|103|Florida}} {{PresRow|1896|Democratic|480|1,230|161|Florida}} {{PresFoot|1892|Democratic|0|1,133|550|Florida}} ==Law enforcement== * Marion County Sheriff's Office<ref>[http://www.marionso.com Marion County Sheriff's Office]</ref> * Belleview Police Departments<ref>[http://www.belleviewfl.org/180/Police Belleview Police Departments]</ref> * Dunnellon Police Departments<ref>[http://www.dunnellon.org/index.aspx?nid=155 Dunnellon Police Departments]</ref> * Ocala Police Departments<ref>[http://www.ocalapd.com/ Ocala Police Departments]</ref> Marion County's Sheriff's Office was in the news in August 2020 during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida]] after Sheriff Billy Woods forbade [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|the wearing of masks]] by deputies unless in high risk areas, such as the hospital. Visitors to the Sheriff's Office are also required to not cover their face.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/08/12/masks-florida-ban-billy-woods/ 'This is no longer a debate': Florida sheriff bans deputies, visitors from wearing masks]</ref><ref>[https://www.ocala.com/news/20200811/marion-county-deputies-ordered-not-to-wear-masks Marion County deputies ordered not to wear masks]</ref> ==Education== County public education is supervised under the [[Marion County School District (Florida)|Marion County School District]]. ===Public school system=== * 28 elementary schools * 8 middle schools * 1 4–8 school * 1 K–8 center * 10 high schools * 3 charter schools * 14 special needs schools ===Elementary schools=== {{div col}} * Anthony Elementary School * Belleview Elementary School * Belleview-Santos Elementary School * College Park Elementary School * Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary (magnet) * Dunnellon Elementary School * East Marion Elementary School * Eighth Street Elementary School * Emerald Shores Elementary School * Evergreen Elementary School (Closed in May 2021) * Fessenden Elementary School * Fort McCoy School (K–8) * Greenway Elementary School * Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School * Harbour View Elementary School * Legacy Elementary School * Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (magnet) * Maplewood Elementary School * Oakcrest Elementary School * Ocala Springs Elementary School * Reddick-Collier Elementary School * Romeo Elementary School * Saddlewood Elementary School * Shady Hill Elementary School * South Ocala Elementary School * Sparr Elementary School * Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School * Sunrise Elementary School * Ward-Highlands Elementary School * Wyomina Park Elementary School {{div col end}} ===Middle schools=== {{div col}} * Belleview Middle School * Dunnellon Middle School * Fort King Middle School * Fort McCoy School (K–8) * Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks * Howard Middle School * Lake Weir Middle School * Liberty Middle School * North Marion Middle School * Osceola Middle School {{div col end}} ===High schools=== {{div col}} * [[Belleview High School]] * [[Dunnellon High School]] * [[Forest High School (Florida)|Forest High School]] * [[Lake Weir High School]] * [[Marion Technical Institute]] * [[North Marion High School (Florida)|North Marion High School]] * [[Vanguard High School]] * [[West Port High School]] {{div col end}} ===Private schools=== {{Div col}} :*Ambleside School Of Ocala, grades K–8<ref>{{cite web |url=http://amblesideocala.com/Ambleside_School_of_Ocala/Home.html |title=A living education |website=Amblesideocala.com |access-date=December 17, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214231112/http://amblesideocala.com/Ambleside_School_of_Ocala/Home.html |archive-date=December 14, 2015 }}</ref> :*Belleview Christian Academy, grades PK–9 :*Blessed Trinity School, grades K–9 :*Children's Palace East & Academy, grades K–2 :*The Cornerstone School, grades PK–8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecornerstoneschool.org |title=Home |website=Thecornerstoneschool.org |date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> :*Crossroads Academy, grades 3–12 :*Grace Building Blocks School, grades K–2 :*Grace Christian School, grades PK–8 :*Meadowbrook Academy, grades K–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbaocala.org |title=Meadowbrook Academy : Home |website=Mbaocala.org |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> :*Montessori Preparatory School, grades K–5 :*New Generation School, grades K–12 :*Ocala Christian Academy, grades PK–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocacrusaders.com |title=Home&nbsp;— Ocala Christian Academy |website=Ocacrusaders.com |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> :*Ocean's High School, grades PK–12 :*Promiseland Academy, grades K–7 :*First Assembly Christian School, grades PK–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocalafirst.org |title=Ocala First Assembly of God&nbsp;— An A/G Church in North Central Florida&nbsp;— Ocala, FL |website=Ocalafirst.org |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> :*The Reading Clinic, grades 2–6 :*Redeemer Christian School, grades K–12 :*The Rock Academy, grades PK–9 :*The School of the Kingdom, grades 1–12 :*Shiloh SDA Church School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antt40.adventistschoolconnect.org|title=Shiloh SDA Church School : Home|website=Antt40.adventistschoolconnect.org|access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> :*St John Lutheran School, grades PK–12 :*Trinity Catholic, grades 9–12 {{div col end}} ===Libraries=== The [[Marion County Public Library System]] operates eight branch libraries. ==Transportation== ===Airports=== * [[Dunnellon/Marion County Airport]]<ref>[http://www.marioncountyfl.org/airport Marion County Airport]</ref> * [[Ocala International Airport]] ===Interstates and expressways=== *{{jct|I|75|state=FL}} runs north and south across the central part of the county, with interchanges at County Road 484 (exit 341), SR 200 (exit 350) SR 40 (exit 352), US 27 (exit 354) SR 326 (exit 358), and CR 318 (exit 368). ====Surface roads==== {{See also|List of county roads in Marion County, Florida}} *{{jct|US|41|state=FL}} runs north and south through [[Dunnellon, Florida|Dunnellon]] and the southwestern corner of the county. *{{jct|US|27|state=FL}} runs northwest and southeast throughout the county. It is multiplexed with US 441 north from the Lake-Marion County line and then with US 301 from [[Belleview, Florida|Belleview]], until it reaches SR 492 in [[Ocala, Florida|Ocala]], then runs northwest through Williston, Perry, Tallahassee, and beyond. *{{jct|US|301|state=FL}} is the main local north and south road through the county entering from the northern outskirts of [[Wildwood, Florida|Wildwood]] in Sumter County. It joins a multiplex with US 27 between Belleview and Ocala, and with US 441 from Belleview to [[Sparr, Florida|Sparr]]. From there it runs northeast towards [[Citra, Florida|Citra]] and eastern Alachua County. *{{jct|US|441|state=FL}} runs mostly northwest and southeast throughout the county. It is multiplexed with US 27 north from the Lake-Marion County line and then with US 301 into Sparr, where it runs northwest again into [[McIntosh, Florida|McIntosh]] and [[Evinston, Florida|Evinston]], before crossing the Marion-Alachua County Line on its way to Gainesville, High Springs, Lake City, and points north. *{{jct|FL|19|state=FL}} runs north and south along the far eastern edge of the county in [[Ocala National Forest]], which includes the communities of [[Astor, Florida|Astor Park]] and [[Salt Springs, Florida|Salt Springs]]. *{{jct|FL|25|state=FL}} is a south-to-north interrupted route that enters the county from Lake County as a bi-county route around Lake Weir. The route briefly becomes a state route between SR 35 and US 27-301-441, and spends the rest of its journey through the county as a "hidden state road" of US 441. *{{jct|FL|35|state=FL}} enters the county as a hidden state road along US 301, then turns southeast along US 27–441 in Belleview before turning back north again onto Baseline Road, where it runs until reaching SR 40 in Silver Springs. The route continues as [[County Road 35 (Marion County, Florida)|County Road 35]] until it reaches SR 326. *{{jct|FL|40|state=FL}} is the main west to east road in the county, spanning from US 41 north of Dunnellon, then passing through Ocala, Silver Springs, and Ocala National Forest, crossing the Marion-Lake County line just east of SR 19. *{{jct|FL|200|state=FL}} runs northeast and southwest from Stoke's Ferry in Citrus County through US 27-301-441 in Ocala where it becomes a hidden state road along US 301 throughout most of the state further north. *{{jct|FL|326|state=FL}} is a bi-county west-to-east road running from Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area in Levy County through I-75 where it becomes a state road north of Ocala that turns southeast towards SR 40 in Silver Springs. *{{jct|FL|464|state=FL}} runs east and west from SR 200 through the southeastern part of Ocala running along some numbered streets before becoming Maricamp Road, then turns into a county road southeast of SR 35, and continues towards the northern coast of Lake Weir in [[Ocklawaha, Florida|Ocklawaha]]. *{{jct|FL|492|state=FL}} runs east and west from the northern terminus of US 27's overlap with US 301/441 along northern Ocala to SR 40 in eastern Ocala just before that route enters Silver Springs. ===Railroads=== [[CSX Transportation|CSX]] operates one rail line within the county. [[Amtrak]] formerly provided passenger rail service to [[Ocala Union Station]], but the stop was terminated in late 2004.<ref name="Amshack">{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/10/29/Pasco/Loss_of_Amtrak_servic.shtml|title=St. Petersburg Times|work=Loss of Amtrak service shouldn't derail Dade City|access-date=October 29, 2004}}</ref> The line is a former [[Seaboard Airline Railroad]] line known as the [[Wildwood Subdivision]], and is part of the CSX-S Line. Nearby that line within Ocala is a former line owned by the [[Florida Northern Railroad (current)|Florida Northern Railroad]], which was previously owned by the [[Atlantic Coast Line Railroad]]. It begins in [[Candler, Florida|Candler]] running northwest along Marion County Road 464 towards Ocala Union Station then continues northwest along Marion County 25A to [[Lowell, Florida|Lowell]]. Another FNOR rail line includes a freight line to the [[Crystal River Energy Complex]] in northern Citrus County, which was previously owned by the [[Atlantic Coast Line Railroad]]. It runs primarily along US 41 between the Citrus and Levy County Lines. Other lines that used to run through Marion County were either converted into rail trails or abandoned. ===Public surface transportation=== Local bus service is provided by [[City of Ocala SunTran|SunTran]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ocalafl.org/suntran/default.aspx |title=SunTran Bus System |access-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613032547/http://ocalafl.org/suntran/default.aspx |archive-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref> ==Communities== ===Cities=== * [[Belleview, Florida|Belleview]] * [[Dunnellon, Florida|Dunnellon]] * [[Ocala, Florida|Ocala]] ===Towns=== * [[McIntosh, Florida|McIntosh]] * [[Reddick, Florida|Reddick]] ===Census-designated places=== * [[Lake Kerr, Florida|Lake Kerr]] * [[Liberty Triangle, Florida|Liberty Triangle]] * [[Marion Oaks, Florida|Marion Oaks]] * [[Ocala Estates, Florida|Ocala Estates]] * [[Ocklawaha, Florida|Ocklawaha]] * [[On Top of the World, Florida|On Top of the World]] * [[Rainbow Lakes Estates, Florida|Rainbow Lakes Estates]] (partly in Levy County) * [[Rainbow Park, Florida|Rainbow Park]] * [[Rainbow Springs, Florida|Rainbow Springs]] * [[Silver Springs, Florida|Silver Springs]] * [[Silver Springs Shores, Florida|Silver Springs Shores]] * [[Silver Springs Shores East, Florida|Silver Spring Shores East]] * [[The Villages, Florida|The Villages]] (partly in Lake and Sumter Counties) ===Other unincorporated communities=== {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * [[Anthony, Florida|Anthony]] * [[Citra, Florida|Citra]] * [[Early Bird, Florida|Early Bird]] * [[Evinston, Florida|Evinston]] (partly in Alachua County) * [[Fort McCoy, Florida|Fort McCoy]] * [[Flemington, Florida|Flemington]] * [[Ocklawaha, Florida|Ocklawaha]] * [[Orange Lake, Florida|Orange Lake]] * [[Orange Springs, Florida|Orange Springs]] * [[Salt Springs, Florida|Salt Springs]] * Shiloh<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gainesville.com/article/20060801/News/604188858|title=Rural Shiloh Country may give way to development|last=Carro|first=Susan Latham|newspaper=Gainesville Sun|date=August 1, 2006|language=en|access-date=July 7, 2019}}</ref> * [[Summerfield, Florida|Summerfield]] * [[Wacahoota, Florida|Wacahoota]] (partly in Alachua and Levy Counties) * Woods and Lakes, Florida<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airnav.com/airport/FA38|title=AirNav: FA38 - Woods and Lakes Airpark|website=www.airnav.com|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref> {{div col end}} ==See also== {{Portal|Florida}} * [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Florida]] * [[List of county roads in Marion County, Florida]] ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|http://www.marioncountyfl.org/}} * [http://www.ocalacc.com/ Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce] * [http://www.marion.k12.fl.us/ Marion County Public Schools homepage] {{Geographic Location |Centre = Marion County, Florida |North = |Northeast = [[Putnam County, Florida|Putnam County]] |East = [[Volusia County, Florida|Volusia County]] |Southeast = [[Lake County, Florida|Lake County]] |South = [[Sumter County, Florida|Sumter County]] |Southwest = [[Citrus County, Florida|Citrus County]] |West = [[Levy County, Florida|Levy County]] |Northwest = [[Alachua County, Florida|Alachua County]] }} {{Schools in Marion County, Florida}} {{Marion County, Florida}} {{Geography of Florida}} {{North Florida}} {{Authority control}} {{Coord|29.21|-82.06|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-FL_source:UScensus1990}} [[Category:Marion County, Florida| ]] [[Category:Florida counties]] [[Category:1844 establishments in Florida Territory]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1844]] [[Category:North Florida]]'