In response to recent letters that discussed a need for more shopping options in Ocala/Marion County, several more residents wrote in to voice their thoughts on this topic.
“I hear everyone asking for more grocery shopping options, and that’s great, but what we need in the southeast/downtown/Silver Springs area is decent shopping and restaurants. The only decent place to shop is Bealls at Six Gun Plaza. There are two Walmart’s, but that’s it for shopping at this end. No furniture stores, great restaurants, entertainment, Home Depot, specialty stores for clothing, home decor, garden center, etc. We don’t need any more fast food places, car washes, gas stations, or storage facilities. We want and need better shopping options for the southeast section of Ocala. I do most of my shopping and eating out in The Villages and Lady Lake area because of the better choices they offer,” says Ocala resident Vicki Briggs.
“Hopefully Ocala, Dunnellon, and surrounding cities will get a Costco, please,” says Carole Stockman, Dunnellon resident.
“I completely disagree with Mary Davis. I drive an extra 20 minutes down to the Belleview Winn Dixie just for the cost savings. Publix is way overpriced. So I would definitely love to see a Kroger’s or Ingles come into the area to give us more variety or competitive prices. We do not need any more gas stations, people. We need cheaper, better, and more varieties of grocery stores. You’re welcome,” says Ocala resident Kyle Klimson.
“I have lived in Ocala for over 40 years, and there are no shopping stores on State Road 40 from Pine Avenue on 301 all the way to Dunnellon. There are about three Publix’s within a few miles of each other, and a Super Walmart near the Publix. I live near the airport and there is so much empty land out west of 40, but no shopping centers. There is also no bus transportation in west Ocala either and you have an airport here which doesn’t fly passengers to get a connecting flight out of Ocala. All these commissioners are doing is helping immigrants from other countries instead of helping their own communities. It’s really time for a change in Ocala. The city doesn’t have much to offer anymore, not even a water park for the kids to enjoy. No more animals at Silver Springs Park, no more rides either. The sports parks are too expensive to get the kids into sports, especially if you have a couple of children,” says Beverly DeMarco, Ocala resident.
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