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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Others weigh in on Ocala property labeled ‘eyesore’ by some

Hundreds of Ocala residents have weighed in on a property that some had previously labeled an “eyesore” because of its political signage. 

Many that wrote in and commented came to the defense of the property owners, citing their right to free speech. 

“You absolutely do not have to agree with his way of demonstrating, nor his politics, but as long as he isn’t hurting you, you can not put Free Speech aside. God Bless America” says Ocala resident Geri Stokes.

“The property on SW 60th and SR 200 never bothered us. We have been in the area for 18 years and we admire the fact that the owner shows and tells it like it is,” says Ocala resident Marta Varnell.

“I heard a wise man ask a good question once: ‘Is it offensive if it’s true?’ That made me laugh. It probably is more tolerable if you agree with the politics on display,” said Ocala resident Kelli Frazier.

“This is America and I will support his right to disagree with the beliefs the signs address. But I believe it is the right of the man to voice his opinion in his signs,” says 30-year Ocala resident James Brewer.

“These signs are in good faith, I see no profanity, this man has posted these signs for 20 years,” says James Agee of Ocala.

Some suggested that the signs represented Ocala and Florida at large, indicating that anyone moving here from other places should accept them or avert their gaze.

“Just because you want your piece of the pie and move to ‘the country’ after retirement does not mean you can bring your politics and notions to us here in Florida,” says Kimberly Rowles of Dunnellon.

“If you are offended, please feel free to relocate. This gentleman whom voices his view; is within his rights, not to mention he was here many years before you were,” says Ocala resident Angel Rains.

Although many of the letters that Ocala-News.com received were in support of the signs, some reiterated that they were not.

“I agree that signage nearing 60 and Highway 200 is definitely an eyesore to the citizens and visitors of Ocala. Not only that, but it’s also disrespectful to some,” says Brandon Smith.

“He is in his rights. He’s a very old man from New York who found a reason to be seen. I sort of feel sorry for him. There are so many other reasons to celebrate,” says Trudy Costa of Ocala.

As of July 11, many of the signs have been repositioned from the property’s frontage of SW 60th Avenue to its frontage of SW Highway 200. What are your thoughts on the signs at the property in question, which is located at the intersection of SW State Road 200 and SW 60th Avenue? Share them in a letter to the editor.