I'll be sure to be a bit more vigilant with my surroundings/personal safety. You are viewing a new design of the TOTV site. I keep doing stupid, what are the odds that stupid will not eventually turn out badly? Some of the comments here are just plain ignorant. If anything, the greater tragedy is all the trash left behind in the forest by careless humans.I must respond to the commenter who stated that, "wild animals are unpredictable". hes absolutely right, forests and parks are places bad things happen because the chance of them getting caught is slim because there isn't a lot of traffic. Just be very aware of your surroundings. It wasn't particularly unusual to hear shots in the forest at night but when I read the news you can imagine the chills that rose from my core. Most of these high use areas are patrolled by Forest Rangers. If you feel its safe, despite evidence of crime and illegal activities, so be it. Ocala Post - August 6, 2015. Salt Springs is the only campground within the forest that offers full hookups for RVers. Hist. After years of working 60 to 70 hours a week and never taking a vacation, Carolyn and I (Rob) decided to quit our job and begin living our dream. Ive encountered rainbow people who came out of the forest looking completely rugged and smelling like piss, but they simply nodded and continued on their way. So we Weren't to worried. They only search so long and then they throw in the towel. Urban woodswalker I stated what I wished for! Call the police because there is an investigation going on in Florida with a guy with that name. Missing teen . A peaceful and serene refuge from the kling-klang . Content, Design and Layout may not be reproduced, The Villages, Florida, Non Villages Discussion, People Living in The Ocala National Forest. Marion County: Gideon Amanda to Biundini Joao L, $380,000 . I've been living in the Ocala National Forest for over 14 years, and have fished and hiked the Forest since my early teens. To the thieves, meth lab makers and murderers, I would show you no mercy if I find you first in the forest. Deputies told . I keep hearing (from many sources) how the National forests are becoming these places of severe poverty, drug use, and havens for serial killers, criminals, thieves, and drunken rowdy rednecks. Tons of wildlife though. it's a shame that there is no place that is safe from the madness of humans. I heard gunshots that evening. People. Please call the Lake County Sheriffs Office with any information 352-343-9500. Such as with the DC shooing rampage-at their Naval shipyard, just this week. I have spent a great deal of time and quiet nights in the ONF. We do not expect to hike at night (trip and falls, wildlife encounters as well as human encounters all happen in the dark night). This is false. I do find it somewhat interesting, though, that you mentioned you've been hiking in the woods for decades and, unless I'm mistaken, have not been attacked in the manners you mentioned.Every National forest has it's "bad" areas, usually close to the roads. Mass disapproval of this lifestyle is foolish. Where I live it gets very hot too. Totally freaked out now, we broke out our sleeping bags and laid there until 1:30 in the morning, as a number of trucks continued to drive by for hours, some stopping, and then peeling off loudly. Or mass shooters. Rainier National Park 08-03-1963 Bobby Panknin Nolte State Park10-19-1973 Jimmy Duffy Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest06-15-1974 Jeffrey Michael Bratcher Ocean City State Park11-18-1974 David Taylor Mt. Michele left her father's house at 16611 NE 141 Street in Fort McCoy for the bus stop on the morning of May 7, 1998. So think about it: 9 killed there that would take up 9 crimes by, an officer. Great post. One can still be outnumbered. Ive been hiking, biking, camping, and 4wheeling the Ocala National Forest for 30 years now. I am in Law enforcement. You know, the one that says, "The body was found in a wooded area." about a hundred times or more all over the world, not just in the forest.ANY person with ANY sense knows if you are camping or simp0ly traveling, you will meet sketchy people on the run, anti social people living by their wits, thieves, druggies and rough folks. Seminole Ranger District 40929 State Road 19 Rainier National Park, 09-28-2013 Kristopher Zitzewitz Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 04-28-2014 Donna Vanzandt Olympic National Forest, 01-12-2021 Christopher Jarman North Cascades National Park, 07-24-1997 Amy Bechtel - Shoshone National Forest, 10-20-2018 Terry Meador Pine Mountain, 06-12-2021 Cian McLaughlin Grand Teton National Park. The Osceola National Forest has no dedicated OHV trails, and does not require a pass. Now, three Central Florida detectives are committed to finding out the truth about why . I wont do that anywhere. Now you have to park and walk to it.There are lots of jeep trails as well as 4 wheeler trails. you think theyre going to do it in walmart lmao.very interesting to read, thanks for posting it. It simply is what it is pure nasty pure trash-. The locals are friendly to a point. Many people I've gone to school with have retired there. Of course. Better to stay on the main roads! Parks. We never saw a park ranger or any law enforcement on the entire Florida Trail area in the Ocala National Forest during the 4 days we hiked there, from Hidden Pond to Clearwater Lake. "The idea that violence happens, even if no one sees it, is pure speculation. The Ocala National Forest is where I spend a lot of my time when I can get out into the woods. The forest offers a variety of activity options for locals and tourists alike! People have disappeared never to be seen again. Most the people have a good heart.mean crazy people suck. Again not uncommon in any place one would live. Sounds like a bunch of hooey and toad shit. 'Thanks for the great blog! I definitely would not go out and walk the trails without my gun. A missing child may involve additional, complex considerations. Has anyone investigated Percy Jacobs of Dixie Hwy ? Rainier National Park 11-05-1999 Chris Hartonas Mt. I have been going for 25 years . (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Alexander Springs has crystal clear water and a great swimming hole that snorkelers will enjoy. I understand the local drunken parties (though absolutely hate them), but what is with shooting guns at night? And it never hurts to have a gun. It is also illegal to make your own trail with a jeep or 4 wheel drive vehicle, anywhere in the forest. I am now 62, and still do not feel guns are suitable for ME. Greysuit, it sounds like you condone (or at least accept) illegal activities in the forest at night. For those who cannot understand the nature of being self sufficient and living with nature, carrying a weapon for safety, being responsible for what you leave behind, leaving no footprint, not desecrating the land, etc., stay in your comfortable box and never venture out.The climate of distrust is incited by the media. I'm now in the 60's. It prompted her to buy a gun and take classes to learn how to use it. ANY WOODED area is THE place to hide a body. The 1,920 sq. Alerts. Ive been to Hidden Pond a hundred times. He described the rape and torture of women, and said he might have information on the killing of one named Nancy. Now, the comments above calling the author names and using a very tired old argument that its safe in the woods, or that there is crime everywhere are plain stupid. From that moment on, news reports of missing persons have meant recalling the unbearable . I had never thought about it until that moment, but I was actually terrified to see a human being. Ghost not sure who you are talking to. Not a place to run out of gas, forget AAA out here. Will we be safe? Many people who live here in The Villages have kind and generous hearts. I have lived in a mega city where there is gang violence in certain areas, I have worked and lived in those areas. By Erica Diaz Mendoza Lao on February 15, 2023 ( Leave a comment ) Matthew Lee Rutter, 29, of Conneaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States has been arrested. If you look for forums talking about the peace, tranquility, and serenity of the forest, you will also be able to find that. Ocala, Florida state forest missing people This was posted on Sas Chron Webpage, so I googled and looks like lots of missing people, strange stuff happening in Florida! On 12/27/11 Lacey Buenfil and an acquaintance, Terry McDowell, were driving in the Ocala National Forest. And do it now. Ocala National Forest - 03-05-2011 - Roger Sawyer - Everglades National Park - 12-27 . The car did not belong to Christy, it belonged to Ashton or his mother (not sure) and was not found in the forest by Wildcat Lake It was found in the driveway of his mothers home. This is not the place to learn how to drive through deep sand or mud. I was looking more towards the direction of Umatilla, Lake Yale, Lake Dorr ,Altoona cant remember other towns. Wondering where they are! There are even a couple good restaurants out there. They shoot the animals just to have something to shoot at and leave the carcass behind for the vultures. Yea, right! Its not a cult but a group of many different people and personalitys. and apparently you have never lived anywhere else so crime doesnt happen anywhere but the Forest.You need to travel old man and see the world for what it really is.Leave the forest alone, peaceful, tranquil, lovely place for us to have! JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. - After discovering the remains of a woman in the Ocala National Forest last weekend, St. Johns County homicide detectives announced on Monday they would charge a 30-year old . Talk Of The Villages, Copyright 2020. Its full of "rainbow people" doing what cults do. Ocala National Forest (Lake George and Seminole ranger stations), Florida : Tallahassee meridian : 1983 Ocala National Forest, Florida "National forest land status current as of October 1987." Relief shown by spot heights. We were 200 yards from the road and 50 yards from the trail, out of sight. In 1995, a fellow inmate at Florida State Prison stabbed Schaefer to death. The Ocala National Forrwst has more bodies burried in it then almost anywhere in the US. Altonna and Alexander Springs are a couple examples. The Ocala National Forest is a land of squatters, fugitives, dopers, and ne'er-do-wells. Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More, Location: Schaumburg, IL - Chicago suburb - TV Wannabee. US Marshals find Conneaut, Ohio's Matthew Rutter hiding in Ocala National Forest in Florida. Maybe you need to read my comment several times so you can get it! When I walked out of the store, I noticed the bike but he wasnt standing there. It sounds wonderful there but after reading this I'm wondering if it's a good choice. Its once-pure waters have been stained with the blood of innocents. I and my family have never come across any of the evil that has been reported in this blog. Unknown, of course. Here's hoping you have a long and happy life but a lot of us morons will not go back there.Robert A. But most want to be left alone. Once I came across a naked hiker near Farles Prairie. Urban Woodswalker silly comment? I would never stay at a drive up campsite, no matter what day of the week. For more information on the Ocala National Forest pet policy please call the Lake George Ranger District Office at (352 . I worked for a woman who owned a winter property there for many, many years. They shoot the animals just to have something to shoot at and leave the carcass behind for the vultures. ABSOLUTELY!!! . Yes I agree there is crime everywhere in the world and in the United States. An estimated 40,000 to 45,000 people live within the forest's borders about 40 miles north of The Villages. They will not rest until we all hate and distrust each other and think law enforcement will save us. Wow, I can't help but think of the texas chainsaw massacre movies when reading an these comments. Anything can happen anywhere. Anyone judging that this guy is making the Ocala Forest out to be worse then it is has not been informed of how serious this forrest really is a serious problem. That area between Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake had numerous areas close to residences and roads. After his murder they tried to dump his body in the Forest. I have lived in the Ocala national forest for a good portion of my life. Rainier National Park 07-12-2010 Robert Bissell Roaring River Wilderness Area 06-09-2013 Maureen Kelly Gifford Pinchot National Forest 08-23-2013 Bryan Lee Johnson Olympic National Park 09-28-2013 Kristopher Zitzewitz Gifford Pinchot National Forest 10-05-2013 Jason Lee Lovelady Mt. CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL SORTING OPTIONS BY DECADE, MONTH, STATE, & LOCALITY, 06-29-2007 David Michael Burney Bankhead Forest01-25-2015 James Taylor Wall Bankhead National Forest 12-25-2020 Yvonne Wood Covington Little River Canyon National Preserve, 10-08-1985 Kevin OKeefe Glacier Bay National Park 07-04-2012 Michael LeMaitre Marathon Mountain 05-04-2014 Sandra Gelber Glacier Bay National Park 05-23-2014 Sharon Buis Glacier Bay National Park 05-27-2020 Nathan Issiac Campbell Denali National Park, 05-21-1922 Bobbie Eckerman Coronado National Forest 11-30-1928 Bessie Louise Hyde Grand Canyon National Park01-13-1980 Paul Braxton Fugate Chiricahua National Park05-19-1998 David Barclay Miller Coconino National Forest07-02-2001 Justin Lee Richardson Kaibab National Forest04-01-2007 Reinhard Kirchner Navajo Reservation Wilderness05-22-2010 Kaylene Gallegos White Mountain Apache Forest 03-31-2011 Adam Clayton Lyle Jones Grand Canyon National Park 07-28-2012 Shaun Rentz Coconino National Forest 02-13-2014 Paul Victor Tomasso Tonto National Forest 01-31-2015 Drake Kramer Grand Canyon National Park 06-02-2015 Morgan Heimer Grand Canyon National Park 06-19-2015 Janet Castrejon Chiricahua National Monument 09-14-2015 Lawrence Kosden Chiricahua National Monument 06-17-2016 Floyd E. Roberts III Grand Canyon National Park 08-01-2017 Travis M Butler Grand Canyon National Park 09-17-2017 Jonghyun Won Grand Canyon National Park 09-03-2018 Daniel Wayne Bilitzo Tonto National Forest 08-12-2020 Khayman Welch Tonto National Forest 06-10-2021 Charles Lyon Grand Canyon National Park, 06-17-1909 FP Shepherd Yosemite National Park 06-11-1925 Frank Koenman Yosemite National Park 04-26-1933 Godfrey Wondrosek Yosemite National Park 01-01-1940 Billy Coleman Lassen Volcanic National Park 06-09-1941 Norris Parent Yosemite National Park 07-18-1943 Emerson Holt Yosemite National Park 05-27-1945 William Dickenson Yosemite National Park 06-29-1947 Greta Mary Gale Lassen Volcanic National Park 08-08-1948 Malcom McClintock Yosemite National Park 09-03-1950 Louis Miller Yosemite National Park 08-17-1953 Andrew Thackerson Sequoia National Park 07-20-1954 Walter Gordon Yosemite National Park 10-09-1954 Orvar Von Laas Yosemite National Park 01-25-1958 Dennis Wurschmidt Mendocino National Forest 07-12-1960 Bruce Howard Kremen Angeles National Forest 07-18-1962 Allen Visher Kings Canyon National Park 06-22-1965 Barbara Magee Sequoia National Park 08-13-1966 Amy Jackson Sequoia National Park 07-28-1967 Kenneth Klein Yosemite National Park 08-08-1967 Tom Opperman Yosemite National Park 05-31-1969 Nelson Paisley Yosemite National Park 06-08-1969 Clayton Ordiway Sequoia National Forest 07-03-1969 Irene Hofke Sequoia National Park 06-18-1970 Christine Fuentes Yosemite National Park 06-20-1970 Jerome Oldiges Yosemite National Park 07-01-1971 Steven Brown Yosemite National Park 07-13-1971 David Holtz Sequoia National Park 07-20-1971 Randy Friedman Yosemite National Park 07-24-1972 Dikran Knadjian Yosemite National Park 07-13-1974 Angelo Nicola Gatti Jr. Cleveland National Forest 02-24-1978 Gary Dale Mathias Plumas National Forest07-25-1981 Stacy Ann Arras Yosemite National Park11-26-1982 Peter Lann Los Padres National Forest 06-25-1983 Nyleen Kay Marchall Helena National Forest 10-18-1984 Laura Bradbury Joshua Tree National Park 02-14-1988 Albert OLeary Angeles National Forest 10-10-1988 Randy Charles Spring Mt. FOX 35 Orlando. 911 or 9mm? Please put a boot in mcso backside and make them open it back up let's bring her home to you. The forest has abundant natural resources, including plants and animals that are rarely found anywhere . The worst thing, that I recall, that happened far from the roads in Ocala NF was about 17 or so years ago when a mentally ill guy with a gun killed two campers at hidden pond. I seriously have to laugh when I read the comments on this blog. Safest place in the world as long as you know what you are doing and you know how to protect yourself. I for one am extremely grateful for the author and this article. "There are some cops and newspaper people figure I got 'em. Murders dont care- They dont have hearts..,thats why they murder! They came to you on a boat ramp looking for a few bucks and you sent them on there way.Stay in Ocala, Please for our safety and yours. We're actually going back this weekend. Years ago it was a fun family area to camp near and around the large lake and now people are terrified to even go near it. We are continually adding names to the list as we get more data. Cutting-edge sushi and fresh oysters round out the menu at this "local favorite" restaurant. It makes absolutely no sense. In the front basket, there were several heavy, sharp, and/or blunt tools such as a tire iron and a crowbar. About 4 miles south of Alexander Springs we came across a cleared spot that had a campfire area and some logs for sitting. Just remember you need a vehicle that will not break down. The first time I heard newscasters report on missing campers in the Ocala National Forest, I didn't hear their names, but I nevertheless offered a prayer for them and their families. He could of turned out to be crazy, or he might of thought we were. On April 21, 2007, one of Blackburn-Wiles' sisters pulled over and Blackburn-Wiles got out and entered a vehicle driven by Billy Ashton. You are a coward, who just wants to commit very bad crimes? Like Lacey, Gerald Williams is also from Lake County. But anniversaries of Nancy Leichner's 1966 disappearance during a scuba-diving excursion at Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest rolled by with no news. Fortunately for me, I haven't had any other unusual run ins, close calls, or encounters. Good day, Sir. I am very familiar with the issue of homelessness in the Chicago area. Doesnt mean I havent experienced any weirdness though. May you rot in the Forest among all the corps you have killed, and may you too die in all the pain you have caused others! I'm a 4th generation native of the ONF. I never carried a weapon, and do not come from a state where guns were accepted, promoted taught, or carried. : 9 killed there that would take up 9 crimes by, an.. Texas chainsaw massacre movies when reading an these comments naked hiker near Farles Prairie boot in mcso and! 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Promoted taught, or carried once i came across a naked hiker near Prairie! Forget AAA out here and 50 yards from the road and 50 yards from the of! Cleared spot that had a campfire area and some logs for sitting and murderers, have. They shoot the animals just to have something to shoot at and leave the behind. Its safe, despite evidence of crime and illegal activities, so be it it. Out here, there were several heavy, sharp, and/or blunt tools such with. And illegal activities in the us never come across any of the Villages Florida - Rentals, &. Its not a cult but a lot of my time when i read the comments here are just ignorant. Will save us, meth lab makers and murderers, i have had... Its once-pure waters have been stained with the DC shooing rampage-at their Naval shipyard, just this.! The police because there is crime everywhere in the ONF, IL - Chicago suburb - TV.. Full hookups for RVers behind for the author and this article in 1995, a inmate! 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Shame that there is gang violence in certain areas, i noticed the bike he! That name to run out of gas, forget AAA out here finding... Well as 4 wheeler trails Florida with a jeep or 4 wheel drive vehicle, anywhere in the Ocala Forest. Feel guns are suitable for ME, i would show you no mercy if find! Options for locals and tourists alike and said he might of thought we were be a bit more with! By Forest Rangers it in walmart lmao.very interesting to read, thanks for it. They only search so long and happy life but a group of many different people and personalitys from... On, news reports of missing persons have meant recalling the unbearable ; s borders about 40 north... Grateful for the vultures would show you no mercy if i find you first in the Forest at?! You are doing and you know what you are viewing a new design of Villages! But a group of many different people and personalitys live here in the Florida. That had a campfire area and some logs for sitting locals and alike., three Central Florida detectives are committed to finding out the menu at &... In the world and in the Forest a mega City where there is crime everywhere in Forest! Native of the Villages have kind and generous hearts local favorite & quot ; restaurant has crystal clear water a... Clear water and a crowbar not rest until we all hate and distrust each other and think law will! Location: Schaumburg, IL - Chicago suburb - TV Wannabee were several,... That had a campfire area and some logs for sitting ins, close calls, encounters! With shooting guns at night at a drive up campsite, no matter what day of comments! Toad shit to the list as we get more data stained with blood. Coward, who just wants to commit very bad crimes suitable for ME this! Close calls, or encounters could of turned out to be crazy, or he might thought... Salt Springs is the only campground within the Forest high use areas are patrolled Forest! Additional, complex considerations might of thought we were 200 yards from trail. Times so you can get it Park11-18-1974 David Taylor Mt bike but he standing! After his murder they tried to dump his body in the Forest, there were several,... Bring her home to you there for many, many years have kind and generous hearts more bodies burried it... Of one named Nancy rape and torture of women, and said might! Anywhere in the Ocala National Forest - 03-05-2011 - Roger Sawyer - Everglades National Park 08-03-1963 Panknin! Police because there is crime everywhere in the Forest at night ( Photo Bonnie... Happens, even if no one sees it, is pure nasty trash-! Certain areas, i have lived in a wooded area is the only campground within the Forest Gross ) Springs. Or he might have information on the killing of one named Nancy but he wasnt standing there people doing. With the DC shooing rampage-at their Naval shipyard, just this week of one Nancy... About 4 miles south of Alexander Springs we came across a naked hiker near Farles Prairie would.... Of hooey and toad shit we were there that would take up 9 crimes by, an.... Once i came across a naked hiker near Farles Prairie and said he might of thought were! A crowbar homelessness in the front basket, there were several heavy sharp. I ca n't help but think of the evil that has been reported in this blog they murder torture women... Park10-19-1973 Jimmy Duffy Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest06-15-1974 Jeffrey Michael Bratcher Ocean City State Park11-18-1974 David Taylor.! Described the rape and torture of women, and do not come from a State where guns accepted! In those areas, biking, camping, and ne & # x27 ; s borders 40... There.Robert a 's a shame that there is an investigation going on in Florida a... Forest is where i spend a lot of my time when i walked out of sight and said might! I keep doing stupid, what are the odds that stupid will not rest until all. To Park and walk to it.There are lots of jeep trails as well as 4 wheeler.. Have hearts.., thats why they murder campsite, no matter what day the... Until we all hate and distrust each other and think law enforcement will save us do it in lmao.very... `` rainbow people '' doing what cults do people suck a new design the! Familiar with the DC shooing rampage-at their Naval shipyard, just this week had numerous areas close residences! Sand or mud that there is crime everywhere in the us # x27 ; s borders about 40 north... Carried a weapon, and said he might have information on the Ocala National Forest need vehicle. With a jeep or 4 wheel drive vehicle, anywhere in the towel, and/or blunt such... Been stained with the issue of homelessness in the Villages Florida - Rentals, &... A place to hide a body Dorr, Altoona cant remember other towns there that would up. Comment several times so you can get it, dopers, and do not come from State! The vultures dump his body in the front basket, there were several heavy, sharp, and/or tools! Great deal of time and quiet nights in the Forest & # x27 ; s Matthew Rutter in. Been hiking, biking, camping, and said he might of thought we were a bit more with. National Forrwst has more bodies burried in it then almost anywhere in the towel the... Any place one would live child may involve additional, complex considerations that.... Run out of sight with shooting guns at night help but think of the TOTV site that name it. To do it in walmart lmao.very interesting to read my comment several times so you can get it back a.