OCALA, FL (352today.com) – West Ocala is steeped in its own rich history.  However, those whose influence continues to resonate in the community may not be known to some in the generations who’ve followed.

That may all change thanks to the City of Ocala, some local groups, and artist Charles Eady. Eady created portrait panels featuring many of the city’s African American pioneers. There are also informational plaques that honor those who helped make West Ocala an important place in the country. Now, the Heritage Trail is no longer just an average stroll down the avenue.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting was held the morning of Sept. 3, 2024, with many of the community’s influencers, representatives from the city, and a number of political dignitaries in attendance. Multiple city departments were involved in the project, working together to make sure it the initiative became a reality.

“The Heritage Trail has been six years in the making,” said Ocala city councilman, Ire Bethea Sr., who acknowledged that the community was thrilled with the outcome. “We’re incredibly honored to announce its completion, the City of Ocala. West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Board pushed this project forward.”

The Heritage trail is an important project, but it’s one that is just beginning, expressed Peter Lee, Ocala’s city manager.

“We couldn’t have done this without the involvement of the CRA [Community Reinvestment Act], our city staff, the FDOT [Florida Department of Transportation] and the hard work from Charles,” said Lee. “If you’re not familiar with the history of West Ocala, it’s something that we should never forget as we move forward; the vibrancy of this place, the importance of it to our community, the African American community as a whole – not just Ocala or in Florida, but nationally.”

The Heritage Trail is not only informative and educational, but Eady’s portraits enhance the landscape, and are culturally enriching, promoting community activity. The state department of transportation played a role in the project by signing an agreement in 2020 for work to be done in the state’s right-of-way.

“The impact of this trail is monumental,” said Mike McCammon, FDOT operations engineer. “This trail serves as the kind of collaboration that can be made between our department, cities and counties to help uniquely beautify our state.”

The collective efforts of those within the community made the process become a reality and the ribbon cutting was the final result of many years of hard work toward a goal that has taken on greater significance. Meetings, discussions, emails, phone calls, reviewing nomination lists, selecting honorees, deciding on the artist for the panels and the height of fence were among the variables in the equation that made things possible.

“It’s a great day in the neighborhood,” Dr. Barbara J. Brooks, West Ocala community redevelopment agency chair, who also serves as a member of the Heritage Trail committee. “The West Ocala Historic District Heritage Trail is a celebration of some of the black pioneers whose contributions are the foundation of the City of Ocala. It has been a long journey to get to our destination of the Heritage Trail, which highlights the accomplishments of the distinguished persons we see on the panels and plaques.”

Eady, the well-known artist who painted the panels, has lived in Ocala for 20 years and is extremely honored to have been selected to paint the portraits.

“It’s been a privilege to be a part of this historic project,” said Eady. “When I first found out this information [about the individuals now featured on the panels] I was astonished by what I was hearing about the bankers, pharmacists, doctors. And with living here so long, I had no idea about that information, but that tied in with the historical research that I had been doing.”

Heritage Trail can be found on the north side of State Road 40, stretching between NW 9th Ave. and NW 11th Ave.