OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Walmart on E. Silver Springs Blvd. was evacuated earlier today due to what appears to be a bomb threat.

According to Jeff Walczak, public information officer for the Ocala Police Department (OPD), the call came in at 11:48 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.

Walczak says that several agencies were involved in the investigation including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Bomb Squad and Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR).

Multiple agencies were on hand at the Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart after they were notified of a possible bomb threat. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Ocala Fire Rescue was on standby while a bomb threat at the Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart was investigated Friday. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Emergency crews gave the “all clear” after a bomb threat was called in regarding the Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Employees of the Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart wait in the rain after the store is evacuated. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
Walmart employees gather under Murphy USA gas station covering after a bomb threat was reported at the Silver Springs Blvd. store. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today
MCSO Bomb Squad left the Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart after giving the “all clear.” Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

“We had a battalion chief on scene, we had three engines, a tower and a rescue unit were all dispatched to the Walmart on E. Silver Springs Blvd.,” says OFR public information officer Ashley Lopez.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: OPD reports no bomb at E. Silver Springs Blvd. Walmart, all clear given

Walczak says that the MCSO Bomb Squad cleared the building and mentioned that this particular Walmart location has had multiple bomb threats, including one on Jan. 7, 2024, where the road was closed.

Employees were seen gathering under the canopy at the Murphy USA gas station in front of the Walmart to avoid the rain after the store was evacuated.

The “all clear” was given around 2 p.m., according to Walczak.