The topic of potential development in Ocala and surrounding areas has drawn responses from thousands of residents seeking to share their opinion, including dozens that have written letters to Ocala-News.com.
Those resident letters paint a picture of two basic schools of thought: Some residents want Ocala and Marion County to continue development at a rapid pace, while others believe the city and county should preserve their “small town” feel.
“There are no places to eat beyond fast food. I would love a developer to come in and improve the area” says Phil Davis, a resident of Silver Springs Shores.
“I live in Porter Shores and love it here. And I stay far away from State Road 200. We lived off of S.R. 200 and could not get out of there fast enough” says Porter Shores resident Michele Randles.
“People live out there because they love the trees and nature. If they wanted to shop, they surely wouldn’t have moved to the forest. Stop trying to change Ocala” says resident Karene Thornton.
“There is too much building going on and we who have been here for decades, do not like it. The forest and rural areas should be left alone and those who do not like it, move out” says Marta Varnell, who first moved to Ocala in 1989.
“I am a born resident of Florida and have been residing in Ocala now for about 12 years. I too would like to see more come to Ocala for families, like indoor play areas as well as a water park,” says resident Christina Lycans.
“We see housing developments but where’s the attractions to accommodate these developments. And we need a Piccadilly Restaurant and a cheesecake factory in this city,” says Naomi Jones, who is an Ocala transplant from south Florida.
“Let’s keep the economy booming here in Ocala, people shouldn’t have to go to Orlando, Gainesville, Tampa, Clearwater, and Miami just to shop and have self care moments. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my peace here, the beautiful nature, and yes, the horses, but here in Silver Springs, we must have more attractions so that citizens of this beautiful city, can feel some excitement” says Winifred Gordon, who was born and raised in Miami before moving to Atlanta and retiring and Ocala.
“Silver Springs Park has so much rich history and I am hoping that does not disappear like farm areas and the reason I came to Ocala,” says Kat Anderson, who lives in the southwest portion of Ocala.
“You’re taking homes from wildlife, you’re taking oxygen from our air. Look around there’s a lot of open buildings that aren’t even in use that are sitting there going to waste put businesses in those,” says Silver Springs resident Lori Little.
