Roads of Marion County

10/25/2012

Thank you Brad Rogers for this editorial!

After approaching the TPO with this idea, I began to work with TPO Director, Greg Slay and his great staff. We looked for ways to get the public involved and used Facebook to do so.

We asked for p
eople to get involved and submit names. We also wanted to get students involved with naming these roads which would become part of our history.

We worked with David Ellers at the School Board. We looked for several different ways to get students involved. When settled on asking students from the 4 nearest high schools. Mr Ellers suggested leaving the choice up to the principal but also suggested the student council presidents.

We wanted this to be a real civics lesson for these students. We wanted them to be as involved as they could. Two students were in a news conference with Mayor Kent Guinn. They also made four presentations to the TPO on different aspects of this project.

We are very proud the four high school students who served on the committee. Soon after Ocala Mayor and TPO Chairman, Kent Guinn opened the meeting to select road names, he turned the gavel over to Vanguard Student Council President, Nardin Derias. Forest High Student Callie Jo Phillips, Trinity High School Student Council President, Dani Nicholson, Westport High Student Council President, Josef Kim were other students on the committee. Other Committee members were, Dee Brown, David Cook, Chuck Pardee and Greg Slay.

As we were working on this project, I noticed a painting of Osceola on the cover of a book I have. I thought of how cool it would look on a road sign. Greg Slay and I began to look into signs for 4 of our major roads.

I was very proud to be part of this project but I must admit, seeing those students get so involved with this was truly the highlight. Ocala City Council President, Suzy Heinbockel, said of the students presentation, basically “that we see so may presentations that this was truly refreshing.” That is exactly what we wanted to accomplish. I along with other “older” members of the committee are all regulars at public meetings; it was truly a breath of fresh air.

I also enjoyed seeing one of my Ft King Junior High School teachers, Julie Bryant and her two daughters. Julie is the daughter of Governor Farris Bryant.

http://www.ocala.com/article/20121023/opinion01/121029930

Since its inception, Ocala/Marion County’s history and development has been linked to its highways and byways. From the trails that poked out from Fort King to the Dixie Highway that turned our community into a mid-20th century tourist stop to Interstate 75 that changed Florida forever, roads have b...

09/27/2012

ROADS OF MARION COUNTY – ROAD NAME SELECTION COMMITTEE

The TPO is the Ocala City Council, the Marion County Commission, a member of the Belleview and Dunnellon City Councils, all sitting as your official government entity for major infrastructure and transportation projects.

On February 22, 2011, the Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) agreed to hear names submitted by citizens to name 2 new road corridors. The North-South corridor would be an Avenue and the East-West corridor would be a Boulevard

After approaching the TPO with this idea, I began to work with TPO Director, Greg Slay and his great staff. We looked for ways to get the public involved and used Facebook to do so with this page:

We asked for people to get involved and submit names. We also wanted to get students involved with naming these roads which would become part of our history.

We worked with David Ellers at the School Board. We looked for several different ways to get students involved. When settled on asking students from the 4 nearest high schools. Mr Ellers suggested leaving the choice up to the principal but also suggested the student council presidents.

We wanted this to be a real civics lesson for these students. We wanted them to be as involved as they could. Two students were in a news conference with Mayor Kent Guinn. They also made four presentations to the TPO on different aspects of this project.

We are very proud the four high school students who served on the committee. Soon after Ocala Mayor and TPO Chairman, Kent Guinn opened the meeting to select road names, he turned the gavel over to Vanguard Student Council President, Nardin Derias. Forest High Student Callie Jo Phillips, Trinity High School Student Council President, Dani Nicholson, Westport High Student Council President, Josef Kim were other students on the committee. Other Committee members were, Dee Brown, David Cook, Chuck Pardee and Greg Slay.

As we were working on this project, I noticed a painting of Osceola on the cover of a book I have. I thought of how cool it would look on a road sign. Greg Slay and I began to look into signs for 4 of our major roads.

I was very proud to be part of this project but I must admit, seeing those students get so involved with this was truly the highlight. Ocala City Council President, Suzy Heinbockel, said of the students presentation, basically “that we see so may presentations that this was truly refreshing.” That is exactly what we wanted to accomplish. I along with other “older” members of the committee are all regulars at public meetings; it was truly a breath of fresh air.

I also enjoyed seeing one of my Ft King Junior High School teachers, Julie Bryant and her two daughters. Julie is the daughter of Governor Farris Bryant.

Thanks,

Chuck Pardee
http://www.ocala.com/article/20120926/ARTICLES/120929792/1455?Title=New-roads-get-new-names-Osceola-and-Farris-Bryant

To motorists, Ocala is a place where the streets (mostly) have no names.

09/26/2012

Gateway Sign Project / Osceola Boulevard

Osceola Boulevard Presented to the TPO
By
Dani Nicholson

Hello and good afternoon! My name is Dani Nicholson, and I am the Senior Class President at Trinity Catholic High School. I was nominated by my school president, Mr. David McKenzie, to serve on the Roads of Marion County Name Selection Committee and today it is my pleasure to present the name of the East-West road corridor. After several hours of research, committee meetings, public involvement and press related activities, we decided that the East-West corridor should take the name of Osceola Boulevard.
The history of the Seminole Indians begins with the Creek Indians of Alabama and Georgia who migrated to Florida in the late 1700s and early 1800s to avoid European conflict along with conflict from other Native groups. Osceola was born in 1804 in Alabama. When he was about the age of 4, Osceola’s family, composed of him and his mother, made the move to Florida.
Osceola fought in the War of 1812 and also in 1818 against Andrew Jackson’s troops. By the year of 1832, Osceola was living near Fort King, right here in beautiful Ocala. Throughout the years, Osceola gradually gained prominence among the Seminole tribe.
As more settlers came to Florida, the Seminole tribe was pushed farther and farther south. Soon after, the United States government, at the time, wanted the Seminoles to leave Florida altogether and move to Indian lands, or reservations, west of the Mississippi River. The decision was tough on the tribe, with the knowledge that staying in Florida meant war, but even leaving had its consequences of leaving their homeland, and the land of their ancestors behind. Seminole chiefs were persuaded to sign a treaty of removal, but Osceola opposed, not by just refusing to touch the pen, but by stabbing his knife into the paper. He was then arrested, but was released because he pretended that he would work for the approval of the treaty. This was completely false. Many Seminoles chose to leave, but others, like Osceola chose to stay, hide out in Swamps and gather warriors for battle.
Fort King was built in 1827 and was one of the major forts of the Second Seminole War. It was located at the northern end of the Seminole reservation. Agent Wiley Thompson met with Osceola, Micanopy, Chief Charley Emathla, Maker of Medicine Abiaka, and Chief Holata Micco. The Seminoles camped out around Silver Springs during this “conference” and later stated that the Indians did not want to leave Florida. Osceola gained fame among the Indians for his anti-removal speech and later gained great influence without being a direct part of Seminole leadership because he represented older and more traditional values.
Osceola fought many battles in order to keep his land in Florida. On December 28th of 1835, Osceola and his warriors killed agent Wiley Thompson and Chief Charley Emathla which led to the Second Seminole War. Many fugitive slaves joined Osceola and his Indian followers in his fight against enemies. Some of his other major battles lead to the death of Maj. Francis L. Dade and 110 of his soldiers, a fight against Gen. Duncan L. Clinch and his soldiers and an overwhelming takeover by the Seminoles at Ft. Drane that cause widespread public criticism of the U.S. Army. Osceola was captured under a white flag truce on October 21 of 1837, by Gen. Thomas S. Jessup. He was first imprisoned in Ft. Marion, FL and then later moved to Ft. Moultrie, SC, where he died on January 30th of 1838.
Osceola is regarded as a major figure in securing the rights of the Seminole tribe and other natives during the colonial period through his guerrilla warfare tactics that slowed Indian removal and the United State’s act of gaining Seminole territory. Schools, counties, cities, and states all over the United States recognize Osceola even though he didn’t have a direct impact on their surrounding areas. We are located in the heart of where most of Osceola’s life took place.
One of Osceola’s original “towns” or camps was located less than a mile south of where Trinity Catholic sits now. If you’re coming from SW College Road on Co Hwy 475A, or SW 27th St, crossing over SW 42nd St, soon to be named Osceola Blvd, you pass Trinity Catholic on your left and about a quarter of a mile down the winding road is a pond located on your left. This is exactly where Osceola used to reside!
This Boulevard will not only have a direct impact on my school, Trinity Catholic, but other students throughout Ocala as well as the rest of the community, as many make their morning and afternoon commutes on what is now the SW 42nd/31st/32nd/44th/39th road corridor.
The action we request is: The East-West road corridor from State Road 464 to State Road 200 will be officially named Osceola Boulevard; and all signage and maps will reflect this official name. Thank you.

09/26/2012

Gateway Sign Project / Farris Bryant Avenue

Farris Bryant Avenue Presented to the TPO
By
Nardin Derias

Hello. My name is Nardin Derias, and I am the Student Body President at Vanguard High School. It is my utmost pleasure that I present to you the name of the north-south avenue. After much debate, we came to the conclusion that Farris Bryant Avenue would be the most fitting name. Mr.Farris Bryant was born and raised right here in Ocala, Florida and has done much for our Ocala community. Born in 1914 on a local Marion County farm, Mr.Bryant was destined to do great things. His political career is extensive and his list of accomplishments even greater.
Before being elected Governor, Mr.Bryant was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for five consecutive terms, including a term as Speaker of the House. His role in the House of Representatives earned him a reputation of a man who understood the needs of his people and would always do what was in their best interest. As a legislator, he guided the state's junior college program into reality and led the fight to obtain the necessary funding to develop the program statewide. Working in conjunction with local leaders he made sure that one of the new colleges would be located in Ocala, which is now known as the College of Central Florida.
Mr. Bryant always took care to make sure that Ocala got the attention it deserved. When others shied away, he stepped up and took action. This was demonstrated in his role in the opening of two state prisons in Ocala. When others sought to move the Florida Fire College to another location, Mr.Bryant made sure Marion County would be its permanent home. In the face of racial unrest and the civil rights movement, he urged a moderate course that followed the law in integrating the schools. He wanted to avoid outbreaks of violence, and none occurred in his home town where moderation prevailed.
His accomplishments are not limited to these. As governor, Mr.Bryant would do so much more for Ocala and its citizens. It is important to note his influential role in the bolstering of Marion County’s primary and secondary road networks. He made sure the state road department divided the money among the counties based on greatest road needs and as a result, Marion County saw a major boost in road building. Mr. Bryant pushed the Florida Turnpike to completion. He had insisted that it pass through Ocala. He had to overcome tremendous opposition and ended up extending the Turnpike only to Wildwood where it would meet the new Interstate 75 coming south. However, he remains a major reason why I-75 was not diverted along another alignment. This brand new avenue will parallel the road he helped locate here and this will be an excellent way to show our appreciation for him.
It is critical to realize the scope of the world-changing events occurring at the time of the Bryant administration. The Bay of Pigs incident and the Cold War occurred, with Florida a main target. Mr. Bryant saw to it that Floridians felt safe throughout that terrifying time. He facilitated the construction of the NASA complex to help president Kennedy in his pursuit to land a man on the moon. He worked with Disney and helped them purchase the land for Disney World and helped build up the infrastructure it required; this booming business continues to fuel Florida’s economy. Gov. Bryant was uniquely prepared by background and experience, to successfully steer Florida through the whirlwinds of history and change.
Mr. Bryant never forgot about his people. Never. As Governor, he took a large number of Ocala politicians with him. This includes Jimmy Kynes, who later became Florida's Attorney General, and former Ocala city engineer Bill Kidd, who became Bryant's right hand; these were a few among many others who were intent on making Ocala a better place to live. Bryant also put Wendell Jarrod in charge of the state's economic development program, and this allowed Ocala to benefit greatly in the 1960s. Mr.Bryant was a family man and incredibly humble. As Governor, Bryant refused to allow any public building to be named after him but shortly before his passing, the Central Florida Junior College decided to honor him by naming its student union building for him.
After Bryant left the office of Governor, he moved to Jacksonville, and worked as an executive of an insurance company. He also served in some national positions. In spite of his fame , he never forgot about his roots. It is incredible to think that this man attained so much success, but never forgot about where he got his start. We owe him so much. He was, in the words of the Ocala Star Banner “the key architect in the development of Florida’s higher education system, highway network and conservation program." I believe we are still building upon the foundation this man set down for us.
Farris Bryant was 87 when he died of a stroke in March of 2002 in Jacksonville. Jeb Bush was Governor at the time, and he said, "I was a great admirer of his. I greatly admired his leadership as Governor, as well as after he was Governor." This further stresses our need to honor this man, one who should live on in our memory.
Farris Bryant Avenue will run near the college and through the heart of Ocala’s industrial area, which is appropriate due to the many things he did to develop that sector of Ocala’s economy. With all Mr. Farris Bryant has done for Ocala, Marion County and the great state of Florida, it is our duty, no, our responsibility, to honor him in this way. The Marion County Historical Commission who submitted name, has been looking for a road or interchange for an honorary name and now we have the perfect opportunity to do so. Ocala saw the building of more mileage during his term than at any other time in Florida history. Again, it is fitting to name a road after him because he was so incremental in developing our road system. He cared so much for education; he wanted to build facilities for the youth. His strategy for governing was creative and efficient. We can look to him as an example of how to put others before ourselves. After speaking to his daughter, Mrs. Julie Bryant Felter, I asked her if she could describe her father in just a few sentences and here is what she said to me, “he was a brilliant public servant; a visionary. He focused on serving Marion County and the state of Florida, never did he look to do things for himself; he was self-less. He always sought to take care of the problems of the day, without generating problems for the future.” With those last few statements, the action we request is that the North-South road corridor from State Road 326 to State Road 200 will be officially named Farris Bryant Avenue, in honor of the 34th Governor of Florida; and all signage and maps will reflect this official name. Thank you.

09/26/2012

Gateway Sign Project / Bonnie Heath Boulevard

Roads of Marion County Presentation Presented to the TPO
By
Josef Kim / Committee’s Task

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. My name is Josef Kim and I am the student council president from West Port High School. I am here today with three other students to respectfully present the selected names for the two new corridors chosen by the Roads of Marion County Road Name Selection Committee. The committee asked students from the 4 nearest high schools to serve on the Road Selection Committee. We represent Forest, Trinity, Vanguard and West Port High Schools as well as the future of our community.
On February 22, 2011, the Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization, the TPO, decided to consider citizen-submitted names for the two new corridors. Our committee was the result of that decision as we represent the citizens of Marion County in this name selection process. The names chosen for these corridors are of historical significance to Marion County, for these names shall remind the drivers of Marion County of the rich heritage that can be found here.
The two corridors are in correspondence with the 9 1 1 quadrant system. The quadrant system works with Marion County being divided into four sections: NW, NE, SW, and SE. The center of this system is at the intersection of Ft. King Street and Magnolia Avenue in the City of Ocala. The quadrants are further divided into a grid where streets and street numbers change when they move along these lines. The reason for giving these corridors an “official” name is to eliminate the confusion of a multiple quadrant system and multiple street numbers. These corridors are much like Bonnie Heath Boulevard, where the numerous roads were combined to make a single major corridor. These official corridor names will be added to the 9 1 1 system. Road signs will display the quadrant system street numbers as well as these official road names.
It was determined by the TPO, / that the North-South corridor would be an Avenue. This Avenue runs from State Road 200 to Bonnie Heath Boulevard, however, the committee knows that Ocala is a growing city and that to meet the projected interstate exchange the Avenue should start from State Road 200, travel North paralleling I-75, up NW 44th Avenue and stop at State Road 326. Much of this corridor has four-lanes and mainly travels through industrial areas of in western Ocala.
It was also determined by the TPO the East-West corridor would be a boulevard. The boulevard will run from State Road 464, west, to State Road 200.
Thank you for your consideration of these major transportation corridor names.

09/26/2012

Gateway Sign Project / Silver Springs Boulevard

Gateway Sign Project Presented to the TPO
By
Callie Jo Phillips

Hello, my name is Callie Jo Phillips I am the Student Representative from Forest High School. I am here from the road of Marion County Road Naming Committee requesting you approve the Gateway Sign Project.
The Gateway Sign Project designed in a way to show “who we are and where we have been” and to bring more attention to the major corridors in Marion County. To carry this out we propose images be placed on the road signs of these four main corridors.
We begin with the north corridor, Bonnie Heath Boulevard. Bonnie Heath Boulevard officially named to honor, not only Bonnie Heath, but also the horse capital he helped to establish. The signs for this corridor would have an image of Needles, the first Kentucky Derby winner to be born and bred in Florida. Many people credit Needles with selling more land in Marion County than any real estate broker.
Next, we have Silver Springs Boulevard. Silver Springs is not only one of the largest artesian springs in the world, but it is the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River. Silver Springs served to jump-start our economy back during the days of riverboats. Now Silver Springs is an attraction park we are proud to call our own. We would like to place and image like the one from this 1930’s postcard to highlight the glory days of the glass bottom boat and represent this road.
The next road is our newest boulevard and is in remembrance of Osceola, since one of his camps was once located right off of this road. This 1838 oil painting by George Catlin, housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, is the most famous image of a man who once traveled the trails of Marion County.
Lastly, for the north-south corridor recently named Farris Bryant Avenue we suggest an image of the Great Seal of the State of Florida. This image will serve as a reminder that we live in the very heart of the Sunshine State.
There are many other roads we would like to add to the Gateway Sign Project in the future such as Fort King Street, Magnolia Avenue, Lake Weir Avenue, and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. These signs will not only give necessary attention to the roads, but they will also help familiarize the travelers of these corridors with the roads. The Gateway Sign Project would heighten the pride in all of us in this community we call home.
We respectfully submit the Gateway Road Project for your approval. Thank You

09/14/2012

AND the road names chosen are…
Osceola Boulevard and Farris Bryant Avenue

Two major corridors in and around the City of Ocala were selected by the Roads of Marion County Road Name Selection Committee Thursday night.

The 31st / 32nd / 42nd / 44th / 39th corridor which runs east and west on the southern side of Ocala was given the name, Osceola Boulevard.
This corridor will cross I 75 with a new bridge and connect to SR 200 near the Porsche dealership.
Osceola lived in Marion County and his village, Osceola’s Town, was less than a half mile south of the newly named corridor.

At that point on SR 200 where Osceola Boulevard intersects, a new road will be built, and through a number of different existing 4 lane roads, will travel north all the way to SR 326.
This corridor was given the name, Farris Bryant Avenue.

Farris Bryant was born and raised in Ocala and became Governor of Florida in 1961. As Governor he saw that I 75 came through Ocala and was incremental in getting many of our primary and secondary roads constructed. As a legislator he guided the states junior college into reality and made sure one was built in Ocala; you know it today as the College of Central Florida.

The Avenue, parallels the road he help locate here, I 75. Farris Bryant Avenue also runs near the college and through the heart on Ocala’s industrial area, which is fitting due to the industry and jobs he brought to Ocala. Under Governor Farris Bryant, 2 state prisons were built here.

The Marion County Historical Commission, who submitted name, had been looking for a road to name after our own Farris Bryant, the 34th Governor of Florida.

We are also very proud the four high school students who served on the committee. Soon after Ocala Mayor and TPO Chairman, Kent Guinn opened the meeting, he turned the gavel over to Vanguard Student Council President, Nardin Derias. Forest High Student Callie Jo Phillips, Trinity High School Student Council President, Dani Nicholson, Westport High Student Council President, Josef Kim were other students on the committee. Other Committee members were, Dee Brown, David Cook, Chuck Pardee and Greg Slay.

The committee also recommended a Gateway Sign Program. The program would have some signs with images along with the road name. Bonnie Heath Boulevard could have an image of his first Kentucky Derby winner, Needles. Silver Spring Boulevard could have an image of a glass bottom boat. Osceola Boulevard could have an image of the famous Indian. The committee felt this program would help showcase who we are and where we came from.

The students will also present the roads names for final approval to the Marion County Transportation Organization (TPO) on Sept. 25th.
The TPO is the Ocala City Council, the Marion County Commission, a member of the Belleview and Dunnellon City Councils, all sitting as your official government entity for major infrastructure and transportation projects

09/05/2012

TO SUGGEST A CORRIDOR NAME - COMMENT BELOW !!

:: Place Name as Comment below
:: The first person to submit that name will be placed on our About Page
:: Please feel free to comment on names which have been submitted, the idea here is to generate views
:: We will not post names of your pets or relatives on our Facebook Info Page. However, all names will be submitted to the selection committee

:: GO TO our ABOUT PAGE for more Info

09/05/2012

CORRIDOR MAP
:: Avenue / North-South Corridor in Red
:: Boulevard / East-West Corridor in Blue
http://www.ocalafl.org/uploadedFiles/TPO_Services/Name%20A%20Corridor.pdf

09/05/2012

WCJB TV 20 / Ocala's New Roads to Be Named

I am so excited to serve on the road naming committee, especially with four high school students !! Two of our students helped in our news conference and all four will help select names for these roads on Sept. 13th. The students will then present the selected names to the Ocala / Marion County Transportation Organization (TPO).

The TPO is the Ocala City Council, the Marion County Commission, a member of the Belleview and Dunnellon City Councils, all sitting as your official government entity for major infrastructure and transportation projects. We believe this will be a great civics lesson for students we are also seeking community involvement.

Join our page to stay informed and to submit a name.
Info and names submitted can be found on the ABOUT page

Roads of Marion County
http://www.facebook.com/RoadsofMarionCounty

The city is going to gain it's third major boulevard in the area along with a new avenue to connect to Bonnie Heath Boulevard.

06/24/2012

31st – 42nd Corridor Bridge over I-75 which will be named a Boulevard name in mid September !! Join our Roads of Marion page if you have a suggestion for the Boulevard name !!
That's the back of Kohl's on the right !!