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Ocala
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Bomb testing at Ocala National Forest continues this week

The United States Navy will continue conducting bomb testing at a site within the Ocala National Forest this week.

According to the U.S. Forest Service National Forests in Florida, training exercises continue on Tuesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 4 at the Pinecastle Range Complex, which is located within the forest.

Inert bombs will be tested from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Anyone traveling near or around the Ocala National Forest is encouraged to use extra caution, as wildlife may be temporarily displaced during the testing.

Residents living in the area are advised to secure items around their homes that could attract wildlife.

Each year, the Navy tests approximately 20,000 bombs at the Pinecastle Bombing Range Complex, which is over 5,700 acres in size. In addition to inert (inactive) bombs, the Navy is authorized to use 500-, 1,000-, and 2,000-pound live bombs during the testing.

For more information, visit the U.S. Forest Service’s National Defense Land Use webpage. For Noise Complaints, email nasjax.noisecomplaints@us.navy.mil.