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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala resident weighs in on city’s airport needs

In response to recent letters from Marion County residents that discussed Ocala’s airport needs, an Ocala resident wrote in to share his thoughts on bringing commercial flights to the city.

“We have owned our home in southwest Ocala since the summer of 2013.

Yes, at times the airport does get busy, but it doesn’t create the amount of noise of the Coast Guard C-130 that flies directly over our houses, sometimes five or more times a day when conducting their training exercises.

The busy horse auction times do bring in additional air traffic from around the world. Not just single engine, two-seat Pipers. I am talking about privately owned Lear jets. While traveling down 60th Ave, parallel to the runways with my windows down, it is hard to hear even the jets landing or taking off, with the exception of the times when a throttle-up is required.

I truly understand those that want to keep the quiet, peaceful, serene Ocala they moved here for. That was my initial reaction to Commercial flights into and out of Ocala. Stopping and looking at this from an outside perspective provides one with quite a different look at the ‘problem.’

Having just driven nearly 2,000 miles on a family emergency to mid-Ohio and back (two days up, one day rest, two days back) gave me a chance to re-examine my stance on this concern.

Yes, Ocala is a beautiful city. We love all of the horse farms and training facilities. There absolutely is a way for Ocala to stay the charm it is and have commercial air service at our airport at the same time. It is called responsible stewardship, and this is not the sole responsibility of county or city administrators. Residents are responsible too, especially those in favor of commercial air travel coming to Ocala. Everyone will need to pitch in to ensure that the flow of people this would bring in to Ocala have a pleasant experience, personally as well as visually. Don’t throw trash along the road. Pick up just one piece of litter as you are walking and dispose of it properly. Be courteous. Show some pride in your city you have invited them to.”

Charles Vroman
Ocala resident

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