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Residents urge sidewalk, lighting and retention‑pond action; city, FDOT to coordinate
Summary
Multiple public comments urged safer walking routes and school‑zone improvements on Ocala's west side, raised concerns about a DOT‑owned retention pond and asked for clarification on signage and commercial compactor rules; city staff said FDOT will treat the retention area and staff will follow up.
Ocala — Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Jan. 6 council meeting to press the city on pedestrian safety, drainage maintenance and local business signage and service issues.
Shanta Norton urged the council to implement sidewalk expansions, street lighting and safe routes for students on West Ocala, saying the improvements "will reduce pedestrian accidents and injuries" and asking that the City include targeted zones in operating and capital budgets.
Dr. Catherine Caldwell described traffic and speeding near a church, school and community services site, asked for measures such as a flashing light, and raised concerns about a poorly maintained retention pond behind her property. Public Works Director Darren Park responded that the drainage retention area is owned and maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation; Park said staff contacted FDOT and that the agency planned to spray cogon grass, allow a few weeks for it to die back and then mow and clear underbrush on the north side adjacent to the property.
Other public commenters sought clarity on enforcement of temporary signage (a Wingstop employee asked about snipe signs and staff reiterated those signs are not allowed) and raised a dispute over the city's new compactors and solid‑waste policy: a commercial hauler said an existing customer at a new address was being routed to city service rather than to the private vendor. Councilmembers and staff acknowledged the potential for confusion between residential and commercial service lists and agreed to meet with the commenter to resolve the account‑specific issue.
City staff promised follow‑up contact and said they would share the FDOT contact and work to provide clearer guidance on commercial compactor permits and permitted signage.
