OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathy Bryant shared key priorities for local residents during her State of the County address on May 21 at the Reilly Arts Center, hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership.
Economic Growth and Stability
Bryant reflected on the county’s shift from relying heavily on real estate and construction to embracing a more diverse economy.
Unemployment in 2010: 14.3%
Key Project: Commerce Park 489 helped attract new industries and spur economic recovery.
Population Forecast: Marion County is projected to exceed 500,000 residents by 2030.
“When the great recession hit, we really didn’t have a whole lot going on other than real estate and construction,” Bryant said. “Diversifying that economic base was extremely important to me… because doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results was insanity.”
Road Projects and Traffic Relief
Marion County is working on more than 500 miles of road improvements, with over 30 additional projects led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Major Connector Project: New road linking SW 66th to 42nd Street to ease congestion on SR 200 and 475A.
Future Work: More projects are lined up nearby but staggered to prevent gridlock.
Additional Improvements: Ongoing work along CR 484 and at I-75 interchanges.
Bryant notes that it won’t just change congestion on SR 200, but also help during peak hours on 475A
Quality of Life Upgrades
A new animal shelter is in the works, aimed at improving conditions for pets and reinforcing responsible pet ownership.
Shelter Info: Learn more at MarionFL.org/NewShelter
New Tools: An online portal now allows residents to license pets and stay informed.
“It’s the law in Marion County to have your pet licensed… it’s going to help reunite pet owners with their pets should they become lost,” Bryant said.
Protecting Natural Resources
Preserving the county’s scenic spaces is a personal mission for Bryant, who grew up enjoying local waterways.
Focus Areas: Rainbow River and similar resources
Smart Growth: Use of the Urban Growth Boundary and tighter zoning to prevent sprawl
“We only get better and better at planning and zoning,” she said. “The commission’s commitment [is] to tightening things up and making sure that we maintain our identity while this growth is happening.”
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