More Ocala residents recently wrote in to share their thoughts and concerns on the city’s airport needs.
“Expanding the Ocala International Airport to have access to flights to all areas of the country and more would be amazing. We moved here two years ago from Des Moines, Iowa, and one thing that we really miss is the easy access to flights. We have had to fly several times since moving here and have had to use Orlando or Gainesville. Even though it is not horrible, it is definitely less convenient when you know there is an airport right in your own town. I have to agree, we also lived in the flight pattern of the planes, but you really didn’t notice it. We had no issues with the sale of our home, either. This would bring much more business to our area, making for lower taxes and more benefits. We were 10 minutes from Des Moines International Airport and we had no issues with traffic or noise. We benefited, and we feel Ocala would as well,” says Ocala resident Debra Lanza.
“To the people who keep moving here: please stop trying to change Ocala into what you want it to be. It’s already growing exponentially. It’s only an hour and 40 minutes to Orlando or Tampa, and 60 minutes to Gainesville. There is even an airport taxi service. Leave the commercial air traffic where it is. Have you driven State Road 200 lately?” says Ernest Sprague, Ocala resident.
“I have written about this before, and I will write on it one more time. Why didn’t the people who moved here from other cities not look into the demographics? Why do you have to move here and change our way of life? The majority of people that spent their life savings to purchase homes and move here did so because there was no growth. It was horse country: nice, peaceful, and beautiful. Gainesville has commercial flights. It is not far and it seems that Gainesville will fit your way of lives better, so move there. Stop trying to change our way of life and trying to convert Ocala into a filthy, crowded, and noisy city,” says Ocala resident Marta Varnell.
“I believe we need commercial flights here. It’s going to make money for our growing area. It’s hard always having to go to Orlando or Tampa. So hopefully one of the airlines will agree to come here soon,” says Linda Diegel, Ocala resident.
Would you like to share your thoughts with us? Share them in a comment or by writing a Letter to the Editor.