The recently installed gateway signage over Interstate 75 in Ocala harkens the city’s equestrian roots, with hundreds of readers saying they approve of the upgrade.
Ocala-News.com first reported the addition of the new gateway signage on January 30.
The installation of the new signage began over the summer. Funded entirely by tourist development tax revenue from visitors, the south gateway welcomes northbound motorists to Marion County.
The scene depicts several horses, horse riders, and a woman tending to a horse.
During the evening and early morning hours, the letters in “Ocala” light up, and other flood lights illuminate the equestrian scene.
In addition to the gateway signage, the county installed two county line markers along the interstate in late 2023.
The gateway project is funded by the Tourist Development Tax, which is paid by visitors who stay in lodging in Marion County for six months or less.
In the two weeks since we published our first story, multiple readers have written in to share their opinions about the structure.
“While the new gateway signage is nice, once again, Ocala and Marion County are putting the cart before the horse. The signage could have waited until build-out, because right now, we need infrastructure, especially when it comes to roadway, traffic and mass transit improvements,” said Ocala resident David Kruchkow in a letter to the editor to Ocala-News.com.
“I think the glow signs are definitely cool. They are different. You don’t see this much. Of course, there will be people that say it’s a waste of money. Then to those people I say ‘don’t look at it.’ I think this is a really nice thing to add to the county. And I can bet that other counties will follow,” said Summerfield resident Tim Raling in a separate letter.
What are your thoughts on the new gateway signage on I-75? Share your comments, photos, or letters to the editor with us.