In response to recent letters in support of commercial flights to Ocala International Airport, Marion County residents wrote in to share their thoughts about the city’s airport needs.
“I too would like to be able to fly in and out of Ocala. I am in my early 70’s. It is not just the inconvenience and added expense of going to Orlando, but the stress of traveling alone through such a large airport. Let’s grow with the growth of a booming area,” says Summerfield resident Lisa Stohl.
“Why in the world can’t Ocala and Gainesville get together and create a regional airport instead of the Podunk stuff both places currently have for air transport? I would pay the extra money to Gainesville rather than brave MCO or Sanford, but it’s still a commuter run. It is time that this area grew up,” says Ouellette Wilkinson, Silver Springs resident.
“I also would love to see Ocala International Airport open up to some commercial flights.
It does take us quite a bit of time to get to Orlando. I have been driving to Gainesville to use their airport to go to Charlotte, which does help, but Ocala would be so much easier. I heard that Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are combining. As starters, it would be great to bring them into Ocala,” says Summerfield resident Marshia Flora.
“I believe the Ocala International Airport needs to grow along with its population and begin adding regional commercial flights. I travel extensively for work and while Gainesville is only an hour away, it’s not a nice or safe place to travel through late at night or very early in the morning. Even if the flights were local regional hops to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, or DFW, it would bring tremendous business to the area. And those smaller regional commercial planes aren’t any louder than the private jets already flying in and out of Ocala already,” says Erik Eisenherz, Dunnellon resident.
“Is the runway long enough for commercial flights at Ocala International Airport?” asks Ocala resident Raymond Davis.
Would you like to share your thoughts with us? Share them in a comment or by writing a Letter to the Editor.