FOREST DISTRICT OFFICE

I am Lieutenant Eric Owens and I would like to take a moment to introduce you to the Forest District. As the District Commander, it is my pleasure to serve the citizens of this community.

The Forest District encompasses 283 square miles on the eastern side of Marion County. Much of the district encompasses the Ocala National Forest. The Ocala National Forest is bordered to the west by the Ocklawaha River and the forest has many natural springs and lakes which offer unlimited recreational opportunities. The Forest District includes many communities like Lynne, Moss Bluff, and Scrambletown just to name a few.

The Forest District is comprised of ten patrol deputies, a detective and an Administrative Assistant.

During my tenure with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, I have served as a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Undercover Drug Agent, Patrol Sergeant, Watch Commander, Fugitive Apprehension Unit Commander, UDEST (Drug Task Force) Commander and District Commander. The Forest District deputies will take a proactive approach to law enforcement to try and put criminals in jail before they have the opportunity to victimize the great citizens of this community.

If I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me by telephone or stop by the Forest District Office and see me or my staff in person.