A new water tower was acquired by the City of Ocala in west Ocala, but photos from the mid-60s show just how much the city’s east water tower has changed.
This photo from 1965 shows Ocala’s water tower and the modern, steel design commemorative of the time.
That water tower, which is located in the northeast portion of the city, along NE 8th Avenue, has come a long way in the years since.
Not only was that water tower given a face lift nearly a decade ago, but the area around it has seen an explosion of commercial and residential growth in recent years.
The Ocala Skate Park opened its doors over two years ago in May 2019 much to the delight of local skaters and rollerbladers.
The new Tuscawilla Artpartments, which are currently preregistering residents, will open a slate of new 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units across from the Tuscawilla Park.
The Reilly Arts Center black box theatre expansion is currently underway, with crews making swift progress in recent weeks.
The new water tower, whose acquisition was approved by Ocala City Council members earlier this year, was built in 2002 and is located at 6145 SW 80th Street.
According to city staff, the southwest water tower can hold 200,000 gallons of water and will help maintain water pressure in that portion of Ocala.
That water tower will undoubtedly undergo a similar transformation.
Water towers are elevated buildings that support water tanks constructed at a height to pressurize and distribute potable water, as well as provide relief in emergency circumstances.
Do you have photos of the Ocala water tower and how it has changed over time? Share them through our Contact Us page.