Letters to the Editor submitted by local residents of Ocala and surrounding areas. Submissions from users of Ocala-News.com to express their opinions on topical issues and events in Ocala, Marion County, and surrounding areas.
"I just got back from vacation, picked up my grandchildren, and dreaded having to use the usual route via 484. To my surprise and peace of mind, both east and west bound lanes were redone by FDOT. They did an excellent job and now, I as well as all other commuters, can feel safe while driving at night through this route. You can now clearly see the lanes and without question as to who is swerving in and out of their lanes. Thank you FDOT for a job well done and for caring for our safety" -
"There are parts of Southeast Marion County that desperately need a new middle school. While this area of Marion County may not be among the most affluent, these children should not suffer and be penalized for that fact" - A resident of Silver Spring Shores shares his opinion.
"I've been living in Ocala for over 35 years and I've seen our beautiful horse farms disappear one by one. Does anyone see what's happening to our aquifer? Our roads are nothing but potholes, and the traffic on 200 alone is overbearing to say the least! Grandfather Oaks are are being bulldozed down" - In response to stories about new developments, multiple readers have written in to share their opinions.
"The southwest corridor is getting inundated with new construction of mega apartment and mega house complexes. A lot of us left south Florida to get away from the population and crowded roads. We came to a quiet area full of horse and cattle farms only to see the farms cut up for housing" - A Dunnellon resident shares his opinion.
"I am a disabled veteran and have had to retire early due to pain from injuries and depressive disorder. Marijuana has been the only thing other than addictive opioids that allows me to function at a nearly normal level" - A Williston man shares his opinion on legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
"There are over 24 trash receptacles at Baseline Trailhead, yet some visitors will deliberately toss their trash into the woods or just leave it on the picnic tables or toss it on the parking spaces. If a person has the ability to carry a full water bottle into the trail, why is it that they do not have the ability to carry it out or take it to the nearest trash can?" - A hiker shares her thoughts on litter on the trails.
"Did legalizing alcohol consumption result in Americans becoming better people and making our United States a better place to live? Will legalizing recreational marijuana result in Americans becoming better people and making our United States a better place to live?" - An Ocala resident shares his opinion.
"Communities are not static. They either grow, or they die. There is no in-between. There are countless communities across our country where the downtown is a row of crumbling empty buildings where once there were storefronts, banks and restaurants" - An Ocala resident who previously lived in a small town in decline shares her thoughts on growth.
"It seems little thought was given to the infrastructure issues, crowded roads, uncontrolled speeders. Our medical crews, fire departments, and all those who work hard to keep us safe everyday are understaffed. This no longer is the town I was thrilled to be a part of. On Top of the World is no longer the beautiful, amazing place we want to retire in" - A retiree shares her opinion about life in Ocala.
"Why does the FDA allow nicotine/alcohol consumption when they are known poisons, yet deny use of a non-poisonous, all-natural, God-given plant that is legally allowed as a medical treatment for so many conditions? Are all the medical marijuana patients in Florida robbing banks, killing their grammas, jumping off tall buildings, etc. like the old "Devil's weed" movies depicted?" - An Ocala resident shares her opinions on the medical benefits of marijuana.
"I've watched the growth here over the years and it sickens me. I've lived in big cities and came back here because I got tired of the chaos. Now it's here. If someone offered me $150,000 for my property, I'd relocate as fast as the money hit my bank account. It's progress I know, but this kind of progress does not appeal to me" - A man born in Ocala in 1959 shares his opinion. Share your opinions in a comment or a letter to the editor.
"All the development keeps rainwater from seeping back into the ground naturally. All the roof lines, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and roads block the water from seeping back into the ground and back into the aquifers. The aquifers can't be abused forever" - A Marion County resident shares her opinion about the impact of development on Florida's aquifers.
"I have noticed more car accidents as we get more people here in Marion County. I've lived here in Marion County since September of 2015. Since then, the traffic to me has doubled. Many times I've been behind a slow poke doing 40-45 in a 55 limit. Sometimes, there's one in each lane too. Then you got the crazy ones zipping in and out as they appear to be doing 60-70 in the 55 limit" - An Ocala resident shares his thoughts.
"When we made the decision to downsize we both had already seen our 90th birthdays. I didn’t want to own another house. So renting one was the answer. Moving this late in life has truly been a challenge" - A couple in their 90s shares their experience downsizing from a large home to a rental in Ocala.
"Think about us natives and those who have lived here for decades. We hate all of this growth. We didn't ask for this. We were happy before all these people moved here" - A Native Ocalan says the city is becoming more like Orlando, Tampa, and St. Petersburg.
"To all the letter writers complaining about traffic, infrastructure, and development: You may feel better after submitting your thoughts, but it's unlikely your complaint will be read by anyone who actually votes on a development agreement" - An Ocklawaha resident says those who want to share their thoughts should do so at city and county meetings.
"Ocala needs more shopping and restaurants on the southwest side, and apartments. We, the regular Floridians, don't have the kind of money that these people have coming from New York and California" - An Ocala resident says the city needs more development, especially in its southwest corridor.
"People from Florida can hardly live here because of the rapid growth, the constant increase in population, and the tearing down of beautiful farms and land for car washes and homes that are not really worth 300+ thousand dollars. To be able to afford to live here I would have to make 20+ an hour. And an employer is hardly ever going to pay that" - A 37-year Ocala resident shares her thoughts on the affordability of living in Ocala.
"Time to start removing those "Horse Capital of the World" signs in Ocala. Thanks to our illustrious county officials and commissioners, we can consider renaming Ocala: 'The Gas Station, Car Wash, Storage Facility, Traffic, & Ugly Apartment Building Capital of the world.'" - An Ocala resident shares her opinions on development.
"I came here 19 years ago to enjoy something special in the country setting that was Ocala. Not knowing of course that the commission was willing to allow anything and everything to be developed without concern for preserving the uniqueness that was Ocala" - An Ocala resident says nothing is being done to improve infrastructure and preserve nature.
"I was born and raised in Ocala. I walked miles to CF. Getting a mall was a gift. There is plenty of space for the rurals and there will always be room for the wildlife, horses, and deer. More progress, please" - A lifelong Ocala resident encourages growth and thinks there's room for all.
"The county can't keep up with road repairs and traffic now. Traffic accidents have increased and so has car insurance. I was born here in 1944 and it was a small, beautiful community. Now, we are turning into a mini Orlando" - Residents shared their opinions about development in light of a recent letter.
"We moved here 21 years ago. It was wonderful...Now, the roads are worse than up north...The beautiful horse farms are disappearing, 200 looks like one big shopping mall, and car washes and gas stations are everywhere you look" - An Ocala resident shares her thoughts.
"I sold my home to downsize. I was faced with no option when looking for housing besides apartments that were not affordable" - A disabled resident who has worked in Ocala for two decades says she can't find an affordable place to live.
