Ocala Residents Raise Concerns Over Zoning Changes and Traffic Increase

Concerns over urban development in Marion County took center stage at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on August 25, 2025, as residents voiced their fears about the impact on the area's equestrian identity and quality of life.

Local resident David Welty raised alarms about misleading land use signs that inaccurately described the proposed zoning changes, urging the county to correct the information to ensure neighbors are properly informed. "If I saw that, I think, oh great. They're going from a high residential to a medium. That is misleading," he stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in the development process.

The meeting also highlighted the growing traffic issues in the area, with Michael Edwards, another resident, reporting a dramatic increase in daily vehicle counts from 18-30 to 150-200. He expressed concerns about safety, noise, and pollution, particularly as new developments could lead to further traffic congestion. "I have personally clocked cars passing our house at 70 miles an hour," he said, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.

Virginia Kilmer, who runs a nonprofit for rescued animals, echoed these sentiments, stressing the potential dangers to local wildlife and pets if traffic increases due to new residential developments. "We've had animals killed on those roads already," she warned, highlighting the risks posed by more vehicles in the area.

As the meeting progressed, residents called for a delay in the approval process until proper notifications and corrections could be made regarding land use signs. The commission acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to addressing the issues, but the future of Marion County's equestrian landscape remains uncertain as urban development pressures mount.