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Local group pitches Ocala rail‑to‑trail conversion; city staff tracking rail safety concerns
Summary
A community group presented a plan to convert an inactive Florida Northern railroad corridor into a multi‑phase rail‑to‑trail; presenters highlighted derelict track, a diesel spill and stacked ties and said they will pursue talks with CSX and the FRA.
A proposal to convert a roughly 28.2‑mile railroad right‑of‑way to a rail‑to‑trail corridor in and around Ocala was presented during public comment on Oct. 7 by James Cook and local volunteers.
Proposal outline: Cook said the Florida Northern (Florida North) railroad easement spans about 28.2 miles and identified a 9.1‑mile north branch that the Surface Transportation Board deemed inactive in 2014. He described a three‑phase conversion plan: (1) a north segment, (2) a downtown connection to Brick City Park and (3) a southern extension toward Candler.
Funding and process: Cook said his group is assembling documentation and plans to present to CSX and anticipates beginning negotiations in late November. He proposed a 501(c)(3) to manage redevelopment under a five‑year term and to return assets to the city and county at the end of that period.
Site conditions and concerns: Cook and staff said they are documenting safety and environmental issues along the corridor. City staff reported contact with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) about inspections (an inspection was planned for early October but may have been delayed because of a government shutdown). Cook showed photographs of derailment debris, stacked and broken cross ties and what he described as a diesel spill near the locomotive storage area. Cook said soil and tie samples are being tested for contamination.
City staff remarks: City staff said they are coordinating inspections and communications with state and federal rail authorities and county partners to determine the corridor’s status and any remediation needs. The city indicated it will continue meetings with county staff, the FRA and rail operators as part of a longer review process.
Next steps: Cook said he will present documentation to CSX in the coming weeks and continue to work with city and county staff on inspections and possible acquisition strategies. Staff said the FRA inspection will inform next steps on safety, environmental cleanup and the feasibility of reuse.
