Ocala Residents Express Growing Concerns Over Rapid Development

Ocala's rapid development has sparked a wave of concern among its residents, who are witnessing significant changes to their community landscape.

Long-time Ocala resident Linda Altavilla shared her distress over the swift industrial growth near her home, stating, "In just one year, industrial development sprung up close by... Woods were torn down... I cannot bear to live through it again, and watch the beauty and culture of my newly chosen home area paved over and urbanized."

Similarly, Michael Paris, who relocated from South Florida to escape overdevelopment, remarked, "I moved to Ocala in 2021 and it feels like Deja vu for me again. If Ocala wants to see what rapid unbridled growth looks like, all the county commission needs to do is take a 5-hour ride to South Florida, where Ocala’s future is on full display."

The surge in construction has also raised alarms about infrastructure strain. Judith Jimenez from Kissimmee highlighted traffic issues, noting, "The construction of developments is affecting greatly the traffic in areas as Marion Oaks and Silver Spring Shores. The traffic in the morning is awful especially in the area of SR484, where it takes 20 minutes to cross the bridge."

Environmental concerns are also at the forefront. Trent Sapp from Silver Springs lamented, "The thought of my beautiful home being totally urbanized breaks my heart... Replacing said culture with contrived and tacky lifestyle communities that I don’t believe are sustainable in the long term."

In response to these concerns, some developers have reconsidered their plans. A notable instance occurred when a proposal for a 310-home development along NE Jacksonville Road was withdrawn after substantial community opposition. Residents like Jannis Keller voiced their apprehensions, stating, "This will affect our traffic and our way of life. I see lots of forests all over Ocala being bulldozed, when is this development going to stop?"

Despite these developments, the debate continues. Marion County officials acknowledge the challenges of balancing growth with community needs. The county's director of growth services emphasized the importance of aligning new projects with the comprehensive plan to ensure sustainable development.

As Ocala navigates this period of rapid expansion, the voices of its residents underscore the need for thoughtful planning that preserves the community's character while accommodating growth.