Ocala-News.com has received over a dozen letters and hundreds of comments from residents all across the city and county seeking to weigh in on any more gas stations coming to Ocala.
The letters came in response to Ocala resident Connor Tuck’s comments at a recent meeting of the Ocala City Council regarding the city’s plans to approve additional gas station construction in the future. Tuck, who suggested that the city was better off without a 25th gas station, made an impassioned plea that many letters echoed.
Tom Cooper sent one of those letters in agreement.
“I agree that we do not need an abundance of gas stations. It is peculiar that in a few years, there will be more energy efficient vehicles that will use no gas or much less,” said Cooper.
In addition to gas stations, some residents made a similar comparison to other businesses, including car washes in Ocala, which have seem a boom in growth in recent years.
“We need fewer gas stations in Ocala and more nice restaurants to go out to. Especially in southwest Ocala. Highway 40, down near the [World Equestrian Center] needs a grocery store,” said Cynthia Berry.
“Please consider the number of car washes in Ocala. State Road 200 has several under construction. We do not need any more gas stations or car washes,” said Shawn Leary.
Mike Jacobson said he felt the same way about “half empty strip malls” around Ocala, and many comments echoed those sentiments.
Although the majority of letters were in favor of the city no longer proceeding with the construction of additional gas stations, some letters stood in opposition.
“I can certainly see why the gentleman is opposing another gas station/food mart. It’s simple, being the owner of so many stations himself it would cut into his monopoly of the market on his (side of town) and that would be detrimental to the city and environment,” said Larry Stewart in reference to Tuck’s family history in the business.
“We have a lot of gas stations, but there are a lot of people without jobs. More businesses, no matter if they are gas stations, restaurants or whatever, mean more jobs,” said Dwayne Gill.
What are your thoughts about the city approving additional gas stations within the city limits of Ocala? Share your thoughts in a comment or a letter to the editor.