To the Editor:

“To whom it may concern at Costco, I have been a member of Costco for many many years at my previous two locations. I’ve always had a Costco, a BJ’s, and Sam’s within 10 miles of my house. Currently, I mail order from Costco, which does cost me shipping even though I’m a member. Or I go to my daughter’s house in Sarasota County and visit the one near her house. Ocala has grown by leaps and bound. We do have a Sam’s Club nearby, but everyone I know, especially myself, miss having Costco. Please reconsider putting a Costco club in this area.” – Mary Unser, Ocala

“Why Ocala doesn’t have a Costco is a good question. Sam’s Club is a poor substitute. Just think of the tax revenue Costco could generate and how it would benefit the residents. Alas The Villages will benefit at least the commute will be cut in half compared to driving to Clermont” – Edward Lichtenstein, Ocala

“To the decision makers at Costco corporate, Ocala is one of the fastest growing cities and according to U-Haul the number one fastest growing city. Well I realize you are opening us location in The villages that is still 40 to 50 minutes away from most of the residential area in Ocala and even further from Gainesville. While we have a Sam’s club most people that have had a Costco would happily switch their purchasing to Costco as Costco is Superior in every way. A well-placed Costco would service Gainesville as well and would be more than enough to justify Costco’s opening another store in the area. Most of the residents coming here have had a Costco in there former location and miss it terribly. Please consider opening a Costco location in Ocala. We will not disappoint you.” – Rosalynn Capurso, Ocala

“The unprecedented growth of Ocala and its surrounding cities and developments during the last 7 years deserves, in my opinion, COSTCO’s presence in Marion Co. I am one of your members who has to drive to Orlando at about once a month to do our shopping. My wife and I long for your presence in this area. I have talked to many friends who are not COSTCO members, but have expressed their desire to become members, if you were much closer. Although Sam’s Club is in Ocala, they are not our preference. Please consider being much closer to where the action is; you will not regreat it. Thank you.” – Senez Rodriguez, Ocala

“Regarding your news of the opening of a new Costco near Ocala, Florida, my family and I think it is excellent news. We moved here a few months ago from Easley, South Carolina, and as consumers of this store due to the high quality of its products, every month or a little more we go shopping at the Costco in Orlando, so if we have one closer, it makes it easier for us to go shopping, and Ocala is becoming a more pleasant city to live in every day.” – Juan Mogrezutt, Marion Oaks

“I would love to see a Costco store in Ocala or Gainesville. Sam’s is no a Costco, definitely a few steps below. Costco’s quality is its selling point and the prices are fair. We had them in the Midwest and the parking lots were full with devoted customers. Also, bring Portillo’s closer to Ocala, Lou Malnati’s pizza, and Vienna hot dogs. I miss them all. To heck with New York stuff. Bring Costco here to Ocala.” – Judy Boden, Beverly Hills

“Yes a Costco would be nice but not on State Road 200; it is a death trap. On Count Road 35 or in Silver Springs, or even down on State Road 40 would be nice. It would offer so many jobs.” – Nancy Blanchard, Ocklawaha

“I think it shortsighted they haven’t built a Costco in Ocala. The growth in Ocala is growing by leaps and bounds. The population can afford it and the community has a great need for it. A lot of the population doesn’t want to drive to The Villages just because they don’t like The Villages. I believe Ocala is the area they should have thought about before they made their decision. For what it’s worth, I’ve been a member since it was Priceclub. Too bad I won’t venture to The Villages as much as Ocala but it’s all good. Thanks,” – Matthew Griffiths Anthony, Florida