Florida Northern Freight Train Derails Ocala, No Injuries

A Florida Northern freight train derailed on Friday morning near the Cypresside Townhouses at 2223 SE 14th Avenue in Ocala, involving two engines and eight cars, three of which overturned and spilled their cargo of rocks. No injuries or hazardous material releases were reported, and the two crew members on board were unharmed. The derailment caused road closures and prompted officials to advise the public to avoid the area. This incident follows a similar derailment on the same rail line in June, raising community concerns over the safety and condition of the Northern Florida Railroad tracks, which run close to residential neighborhoods. At a recent Marion County Commission hearing, local officials and residents opposed increased rail traffic and supported converting the corridor into a multi-use trail, but railroad companies dismissed this proposal. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause of the derailment.