In the past few days, Ocala-News.com has received at least a dozen letters to the editor from residents sharing thoughts on Ocala and Marion County’s development and its leadership. Here are some of those letters:
“The people and government of Ocala and surrounding areas might be wise to focus on preservation rather than growth and expansion. The unique beauty of this area and quality of life can be attributed to an interesting balance between nature, agriculture and rural and urban living. Currently, we seem to be rushing toward an imbalance, which will ultimately lead to a boring environment of strip malls and cookie-cutter houses, the likes of which can be found in any suburb in America.” – George Michael, Ocala
“I have made several observations of changes in our community. Changes can be interpreted either good/progressive or negatively depending on the subject matter. Ocala is going through growing pains regarding transportation, zoning, code enforcement and housing. It really comes down to the city and county commissioners to address these issues and enforce regulations to ensure projects are performed correctly the first time and have a vision for the future.” – Joseph Smith, Marion Oaks
“I have lived in Ocala for almost 30 years. I cry each time I drive anywhere now, as all the beauty has been stripped down to housing developments and more stores. Our government does not care as long as it is getting the money. The west side of Marion County is supposed to be farm preservation and river protection, but builders’ money is slowly eating the edges. It is no longer the perfect place it was. It needs to stop.” – Sharyl Knibbs, Ocala
“It’s the easiest thing to figure out, but our leaders are complete idiots that make decisions for greed and stupidity. Any common sense person can see there are more people than the infrastructure can handle. Homes are 50% inflated, drugs, crime. Just wait five more years when 50% of people in state can’t afford basic housing, food, insurance, bills. It’s already chaos cause our leaders are idiots and spend like it’s not their money. I think a second grade education can get elected and ruin all of Florida. St Augustine is a mess, Jacksonville, all of South Florida. Our leaders are just idiotic, greedy crooks that don’t have any idea how to run a city. My 4-year-old could do a better job. Run from Florida as fast as you can.” – Keith Kershow, Ocala
“I agree that there is entirely to much overbuilding going on and that the zoning and permitting is to lenient. I think that any new construction should be pre sold units and not any spec homes.” – Mike Huston, Dunnellon
“I’m going to say it again, the county is losing its wonderful beauty. I said in my last letter, there is going to be an over abundance of apartments and houses in the next year. There are going to be a lot of abandoned houses and apartments that are going to lure homeless and thieves to this area that will benefit the thieves more than people in the county. The county commissioners are sitting back and enjoying all this with no concerns for the people who have been here for years. Look at California, Michigan, and other states up north. Police and county sheriffs can’t keep up with it now.” – Robert Murphy, Ocala
“I have written to the Commissioners of our County several times. They are deplorable leaders and have ruined our once beautiful Ocala. The fact that they have no care for the destruction they have caused with their outrageous overbuilding is mind boggling. I hope everyone will remember the damage they have done when election time comes. If anyone is foolish enough to vote for them again, you should be ashamed.” – Kathleen Kelley, Ocala