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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

More residents share thoughts on Ocala/Marion County’s growth

More residents across Marion County recently weighed in on the topic of growth in Ocala/Marion County.

“I agree with the letter about the over-development of houses in Ocala, especially in Silver Springs Shores. There is no concern for wildlife, trees, proper leverage, or support for homes on this land. The traffic is bumper-to-bumper before work hours and after. Hardly anyone follows the speed limit and there are so many cars running red lights. There is no law enforcement giving out speeding tickets. Also, the Marion County commission gave the ‘go ahead’ for Oak Hammock Preserve, a planned 168-unit townhouse complex just south of SE 31st Street. The green light was given on Tuesday during a marathon Marion County commission meeting. This area is low land, the entrance and exit is near curves with no traffic lights, and it is a two-lane road,” says Ocala resident Marilyn Bradley.

“Some people here who voiced their opinion are, of course, old and like the way things are around here. I have good news: change is something that nobody can stop, because as the world evolves, things have to change. We are the young people with families who are here and we need infrastructure to support the City of Ocala. Even though some of you complain, it’s going to have to happen for this beautiful city to grow and become the Horse Capital of the World and the bright city of the future,” says Noel Tulley, Ocala resident.

“The biggest problem with the growth in Ocala is the roads. There is a lot of land to build on, but the traffic will be out of hand,” says Dunnellon resident Carole Stockman.

“I moved to Ocala over five years ago from St. Petersburg to get away from the hectic life in the city and to be near family. Well, I am about ready to move back. In the five years I have been here, I have witnessed a drastic change in sleepy, laid-back Ocala. What used to be scenic pastures and horse farms along State Road 200 has been turned into a vista of car washes, gas stations, car dealerships, and ugly hotels. Not to mention all of the subdivisions that are springing up all over the place. Driving on State Road 200 now is akin to driving on the Daytona International Speedway. I know that change is inevitable, but the swiftness and quality of what’s happening in Ocala is frightening. Maybe it’s time to move to the outback of Australia,” says James Young, Ocala resident.

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