Marion Oaks, Florida

Marion Oaks is a community in the outskirts of Ocala and Belleview. The Community is currently exploring becoming an incorporated city, with the feasibility study soon to be underway. The main store For Marion Oaks is a Winn-Dixie.The current population is around 10,000 people approximately. There is currently a Walgreens being built at Marion Oaks Blvd and Marion Oaks Lane, a new Bank of America has been built. There are also currently building an extension to the Winn-Dixie Plaza. Hwy 484 is being widened from 475-A to SE 47 Ave where the new extension will be added to go to Highway 441 near the Market of Marion.

I-75 & Hwy 484

There have been a few changes in this area such as a Cracker Barrel, new hotel construction, 3 current hotels (Sleep Inn and Microtel, Hampton Inn), redevelopment of the former Marion Crossing outlet center into a mixed-use office/retail interstate center, Arbys and Dunkin Donuts. There are currently 6 or 7 gas stations. These are all located in the area of I-75 and Hwy 484. "Marion Oaks" is a Sub-Division that is owned and operated by Deltona Corporation and is located one mile west of Interstate 75.

Schools

Marion Oaks has two schools now. Horizon Academy(4 th to 8th) and Sunrise(K-3).

Marion Oaks is mainly Zoned for Dunnellon Middle School and Dunnellon High School for middle and high school students.

Other Schools Marion Oaks is zoned for are West Port High School, Belleview Middle School, Belleview High School, Forest High School, and Vanguard High School.

About Marion Oaks

Developed by "the Deltona Corporation" more than Thirty Years ago, the price and taxes on real estate have risen drastically (far beyond the norm due to speculators and investments buyers) in the last decade; only to fall again to more "NORMAL" pricing. Deltona Corporation, the developer of Marion Oaks, has relocated their headquarters there. Marion Oaks has community areas, medical facilities, houses of worship, and a community center with a 450 seat auditorium, meeting rooms, well-stocked Public library, and recreational facilities such as lighted multi-purpose sports courts.

Marion Oaks is a diverse community, which holds a spring celebration each year in April. The celebration includes a parade, health fair, book sale, talent show, car show, and lots of individual booths selling everything from homemade crafts to ethnic foods that are popular in the area.

As of July 2008, there is Cable TV and limited high speed internet services available to the largest part of Marion Oaks. Our Roads are in poor condition (Marion Oaks Course was recently repaved in June by Counts Construction) in comparison to the elevated prices and outrageous taxes given to the homes and lots over the recent real estate boom (as with much of central Florida). Many of the 2005 - 2007 newly constructed homes are empty or available for rent, as sales have slowed to nearly a crawl in the 3rd quarter of this year. Foreclosures are on the up swing, not horrible, but increasing in numbers.

Marion Oaks has a profound amount of natural wild animal life, from gofer turtles and scrub jays to bobcats and bears.

Emergency buildings

Marion Oaks has police and fire-rescue provided by Marion County.

Fire Stations

Marion Oaks has one fire station which is located at the corner of Marion Oaks Lane and Marion Oaks Course. It is currently stationed with 5 people per shift with 24 hours on and 48 hours off per shift. It currently averages anywhere from 2 to 10 calls a day. There is a 2500 gallon Tanker, 300 gallon Grass Truck, 750 gallon ALS Engine. It covers all of Marion Oaks, Florida Highlands, Hwy 484 and I-75 from Marion County Line to Hwy 200. It backs up areas such as Belleview Station 18 (second busiest), Shady Station 16, Friendship Station 21 (which is located out on Hwy 200 and also the busiest in the county), The Villages Station 10, and Pedro Station 23.

Police Department

Marion Oaks has a Sheriff sub station located at Marion Oaks Lane and Marion Oaks Boulevard. It is inside the community center. It is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Also Marion County Sheriff Office and patrolling Marion Oaks all the time. Need directions?? Ask a deputy or fire fighter if you need help.

29°00′31″N 82°10′59″W