Several Ocala residents recently submitted letters that voiced concerns on the topic of bringing commercial flights to Ocala International Airport. In response, multiple Marion County residents wrote in to share their thoughts on this topic.
“I wrote before. I just read today’s letters. These people need to wake up and see that our area is growing. That’s why there are more schools and traffic. I have been here for over 30 years and have watched this area grow from a sleepy, rural area into a beautiful place with jobs, nice homes, and lovely people. There was Amtrak and Greyhound available. Thirty years ago, it was not a big deal to go elsewhere for public travel. I want to travel as long as possible, as I am certain most of us do. Now I have to travel just to travel,” says Lisa Stohl, Summerfield resident.
“It’s my opinion that as this city grows, so does the need for commercial flights from Ocala International Airport. The airport is already there, bringing in private jets for horse buyers. It only seems logical that a transition be made to open an already classified ‘Ocala International Airport’ for public travel. I think about the revenue and jobs that it would generate. Ocala is already a destination city, so let’s allow easier access by bringing in commercial flights,” says Ocala resident Pauline Jamison.
“I strongly disagree with saying ‘no’ to commercial flights. An international airport will be an asset to the travelers who don’t want to drive an hour-and-a-half to get to the airport in Orlando or Tampa. The traffic isn’t going to stop because more people are relocating here. It’s inevitable. It’s going to happen regardless. The Ocala International Airport will generate revenue for Ocala and it will bring in more jobs. We need an international airport that provides domestic and international flights,” says Raine Dyer, Ocala resident.
“Ocala has grown very significantly, and with growth comes the need for other conveniences. A commercial airport in Ocala is badly needed. As the retired community gets older and older, those long trips to the airports in Orlando and Tampa become more difficult. You can’t stop growth and revenue from coming to Ocala. The city’s land is as big as the state of Rhode Island. For those that complain about the noise and traffic, you also have options within Ocala/Marion County to seek a quiet life somewhere else and stop deterring the growth for Ocala. Stop being so self-centered. Think about the youth and children who are coming to Ocala and need a better future, better jobs, and entertainment venues. Just like all those retirees had when they were young. Stop complaining about the growth and embrace it. It’s the next generation’s future,” says Ocala resident John Rivera.
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