News Blog

FROM MARION COUNTY:

Thank You Miguel Sanchez and the Entire Marion Oaks Beautification Team!

At the Marion County Commission meeting on August 19, 2025, Miguel was honored with the Community Impact Award for his outstanding leadership with Marion Oaks Beautification. Miguel and his team of 24 volunteers dedicate their time each month to clean up the community, partner with local schools so students can earn volunteer hours, and encourage residents to participate in the Adopt-a-Road program.

Their hard work has made a visible impact, helping to create a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable environment for everyone in Marion Oaks. Miguel’s commitment inspires others to take action and shows how community involvement can make a real difference.

Thank you, Miguel and your volunteers, for your dedication and for helping keep Marion County beautiful! 

Learn more about the Anti-Litter campaign at:
www.MarionFl.org/nohorsinaround

by Staff Report
September 23, 2025

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged with felony littering, one month after hundreds of pounds of trash was discovered in Marion Oaks.

Back on Tuesday, August 19, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the area of SW 38th Court in Marion Oaks in reference to a litter violation. A local code enforcement officer had found a dump site that contained “numerous pieces of mail and packages,” according to the arrest report.

Upon arrival at the dump site, the deputy observed “a large pile of scattered household garbage, furniture, and other miscellaneous items.” The report stated that a Marion Oaks woman’s name and address were listed on numerous pieces of mail and boxes.

Marion County Solid Waste arrived on-scene, collected the debris, and transported it to the Baseline Landfill. The following day, MCSO was informed by solid waste officials that the debris weighed approximately 700 pounds, according to the report.

On Friday, September 19, the deputy made contact with the Marion Oaks woman and advised that her name and address had been found on numerous pieces of mail, boxes, and other items that were in the 700-pound trash pile. She allegedly told the deputy that her husband, Justin Vijanio Lopez, was “the one who dumped the debris.”

The deputy spoke with Lopez over the phone, and he “immediately admitted to dumping the debris,” according to the report. Lopez further told the deputy that a “large amount of trash had piled up” in his garage, and he “took multiple loads” to a nearby recycling center.

However, Lopez allegedly told the deputy that he “made a mistake” and “dumped the trash and debris” at the incident location because he was “short on time,” according to the report.

Lopez was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail. He was released the following day after posting bond, and he has been charged with dumping litter over 500 pounds.

A court date for Lopez has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.

News Source:
https://www.ocala-news.com/2025/09/23/man-arrested-for-illegally-dumping-700-pounds-of-trash-in-marion-oaks/