A cautious victory lap: Opponents of northern turnpike extension celebrate, but fight on

Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner
·4 min read

Although state officials have temporarily slowed down the possible northern extension of Florida's Turnpike, opponents of the project are still applying pressure on the Florida Department of Transportation to scrap the idea altogether.

In the original plan, three of the four proposed routes would pass through Marion County and – according to critics – cause severe hardship to homeowners, businesses and the environment.

At a press conference held Tuesday morning outside the McPherson Governmental Complex, where the Marion County Commission was holding its regularly scheduled meeting, those rallying against the road made their feelings known.

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Levy, Citrus, Sumter and Marion County speakers

Michael McGrath, of the Sierra Club, said achieving a pause in the project is "a testament to what we've achieved."

McGrath, who has attended many meetings voicing his opposition to the project, stood in front of the nearly 50 people who gathered behind him and held colorful signs.

Those who spoke after McGrath came from counties that would be affected by the roadway.

Kim Wheeler told the audience that it was "a glorious day," and got a huge ovation from the crowd when she said they want "no build." She said people like her are going to educate, organize and vote.

Citrus County's Karen Esty asked people to "continue to support us," and said opponents will continue moving forward in their fight to stop the extension.

Kathy Williams-Towns, who represented Sumter County and residents of Royal, a historic African American community, spoke during the press conference Tuesday.
Kathy Williams-Towns, who represented Sumter County and residents of Royal, a historic African American community, spoke during the press conference Tuesday.

Kathy Williams-Towns, a resident of the historic Black community of Royal, in Sumter County, said the roadway would've torn through that community.

She said she's proud of her community and promised they will continue to fight.

"Not just now, but always and forever," she said to a loud cheer.

Kristin Parson of Marion County said, "We stand united to protect the American dream. Our homes, farms, ranches, wildlife, forest will not be destroyed." She was among about 50 supporters of the No Road To Ruin Coalition who celebrated on Tuesday. The Florida Department of Transportations has decided to no longer pursue the four proposed routes for a possible northern extension of Florida's Turnpike.

Marion County resident Kristin Parson said they stand united to protect the American dream and told supporters that their work is not done, despite the pause by state officials.

Parson said they're united in the fight to keep the toll road away from here and any other rural part of Florida.

Burt Eno, a longtime Dunnellon resident who frequently attends the city council meetings, said the roadway is not needed.

Eno said state officials should concentrate on improving existing roadways and not to try to pave over everywhere in the state.

Burt Eno of Dunnellon was among those who spoke during the press conference Tuesday. “It’s time we coexist with nature,” he said.
Burt Eno of Dunnellon was among those who spoke during the press conference Tuesday. “It’s time we coexist with nature,” he said.

State officials explaining why the roadway is stopped for now

On Aug. 5, FDOT circulated a press release that states its staff had completed the Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) Study. The conclusion was that the proposed corridors – designed to extend the turnpike's northern terminus from Interstate 75 in Wildwood to U.S. 19 in Levy County – were not viable.

In the release, state officials said they "will not pursue the project any further until options can be reassessed to address concerns of the Department and the community." They added that "significant concerns were identified with portions of all four initially proposed corridors."

The four routes initially under consideration for a possible northern extension of Florida's Turnpike. The state has deemed them all not viable.
The four routes initially under consideration for a possible northern extension of Florida's Turnpike. The state has deemed them all not viable.

State officials said: "In the near term, to help address regional and statewide transportation needs, the Department is dedicating resources to prioritize improvements on the Interstate 75 corridor."

Marion County Commission's position

In a 3-2 vote in December, the Marion commission agreed to send a letter to the FDOT reminding the agency that the county's comprehensive plan "protects the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) regarding the development expressways or toll roads."

The letter included four points, one of which was to ask the state to "make every effort to avoid impact to existing developed residential subdivisions."

The letter ended with county officials asking FDOT "to partner" with them as the project goes through its different phases.

File picture of the Board of County Commissioners
File picture of the Board of County Commissioners

Commission Chairman Carl Zalak and Commissioner Kathy Bryant were on the losing end of the vote. They favored stronger language: asking FDOT to follow guidance from the MCORES task force, which would prohibit any turnpike extension crossing the Cross Florida Greenway in Marion County.

Dunnellon city officials voted unanimously to send a letter advocating "no build" to multiple entities including the county commission, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the FDOT secretary.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Opponents of northern extension to Florida's Turnpike vow to fight on