OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s an opportunity to navigate the future.

The Ocala Marion Transportation and Planning Organization held a public open house for the draft on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Active Transportation Plan on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place to give the public a more in-depth look at the area’s agenda for transportation over the next 25 years.

The over vision for the plan is an active, connective countywide transportation network that directly contributes to a high quality of life and economic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, said Rob Balmes, Ocala Marion TPO director. The TPO will be accepting public comments on the LRTP through Oct. 28, 2025.

The goals for the active transportation plan include:

  • Improve safety for all active transportation users.
  • Create a well-connected and accessible active transportation network.
  • Protect and enhance the county’s residents’ quality of life and the recognition of the county’s place as the Horse Capital of the World.

The plan has been developed so it emphasizes what the Ocala Marion County TPO has on the books for the next five years, including what’s committed through federal, state and local sales tax funding that will be built on the state and local system, for roadways, trails and public transit, said Balmes.

However, the PTO is looking beyond the five years, at what’s needed to improve congestion and mobility, and the open house featured maps, partial plans, and project lists, including which projects are cost feasible.

“Part of the LRTP is to identify, based on our projected federal, state and local dollars coming to the county in the next 25 years, ‘here’s what we think we can do, what we can build, and that’s what the cost feasible element of the plan is,'” said Balmes. “It heavily relies on the local sales tax, thanks to the voters of Marion County… there’s a lot committed, and a lot planned for the future.”

There were maps that identified future projects that can be partially funded as of now, and planning studies are being looked at more closely in order to build the network further.

The plans’ vision includes:

  • Prioritizing safety and security for all users.
  • Promoting system preservation and resiliency to adapt to future changes.
  • Creating quality of life places and accessible transportation.
  • Promoting accessible multimodal travel choices.
  • Addressing community needs.
  • Supporting local and regional economic development by connecting communities and businesses.
  • Safeguarding the environment with a focus on environmental protection.
  • Emphasizing implementation to turn plans into outcomes.