Safety of people and drivers is paramount and we all want to avoid a terrible accident involving speeding vehicles.  SE 8th Street, between 44th and 48th Avenue in Ocala is often perceived as a high-speed limit zone, in spite of the 30 MPH signs.  This stretch continues into Marion County and is exclusively residential. 

The City has on three occasions since 2021 positioned speed measurement devices to alert drivers of their actual speed. Virtually all drivers have been speeding and many documented at 40 to 60 MPH.

There is just a small sidewalk that is 1 foot from the edge of the road.  There are many pedestrians–parents with strollers; joggers; elderly; even illegal golf cart riders–who are therefore in great danger.  Additionally in good weather there are bikers on the road.

Ocala Police Department has been fairly interested in dealing with this problem.  But, according to their Traffic Unit, there is just ONE officer assigned to deal with speeders for the entire city.  Traffic Unit Chief Sergeant Johnathan McDonald, when pressed for a solution, proposed that residents call the police to report any speeders.  This is obviously a non-solution that will not prevent immediate dangers.

According to traffic engineering studies, installing speed bumps and humps has been shown to cause a 40% reduction in speed, helping to prevent speed-related accidents. Additionally, according to the National Institute of Health, speed bumps and humps have also lead to a 53% – 60% reduction in the odds of automobile injury or death among children.

We are requesting that the Traffic Unit immediately assign regular, weekly police patrols for the SE 8th Street to catch flagrant scofflaws and that the City provide the necessary funds for such actions.  Furthermore, we request the City consider installing speed humps as soon as possible in 2023.  (We will also be taking our concerns to Marion County officials.)

We Ocalans should not have to wait for a terrible tragedy to take place.