U.S. Navy To Drop Bombs In Ocala National Forest

If you’re headed to central Florida, be aware that this week there are training exercises happening in a national park. A large area will be closed for safety purposes as bombs are dropped on Florida. We’d bet most people never think about that!

The U.S. Navy is dropping bombs in training missions into Ocala National Forest. They began Tuesday, 3/22 and plan to finish this round of training on Thursday 3/24. The Navy has the Pinecastle Range Complex west of State Road 19 and south of State Road 40. It is about a two and a half hour drive from Tampa.

Some have reported having heard the bombing runs in the past as far away as Orlando.

• The U.S. Forest Service has posted notices of where and when access to that area of the Ocala National Forest will be restricted.

  ⚠️Ocala ALERT⚠️
  
  Navy Training Schedules indicate that training will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the Ocala National Forest today, March 23, 2022. The Range Boundary Safety Zone will be in place, so gates surrounding the range will be closed at this time. pic.twitter.com/zYL3Vl4qR3

  — National Forests in FL (@NFinFlorida) March 23, 2022

• Their Facebook notice points out that wildlife may be affected by the sounds and activity in the area. They may move into areas you do not normally see their presence.

  ⚠️Ocala ALERT⚠️Navy Training Schedules indicate that training will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex in the...

  Posted by U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida on Monday, March 21, 2022

• This is not a new program. Tests at the site have take place for years. This video explains what the U.S. Navy does at this range.