In light of a local group asking city officials to approve a historical marker that would commemorate Elvis meeting 10-year-old Tom Petty in Ocala in 1962, several residents wrote in to share their opinions. Here are a few of those letters:
“I was 12 when Elvis came to Ocala to film the movie “Follow your Dream.” My aunt worked at the bank and she knew how I felt about Elvis, so she took me to watch. We were right at the door that Elvis used to enter the bank. I did not know what I expected, but he was so down to earth. He shook hands with me and I was beyond happy I even took a picture of him. I trust that our Ocala City Council will approve a spot for Elvis/Tom Petty.” – Patricia Savage, Ocala
“I have been a Tom Petty fan since my high school days, and I myself learned a few things about Tom, like he graduated from Gainesville High School one year before my dad. Like Tom, this helped fuel my interest in Tom and his music. I too became interested in everything Tom Petty. And in a way, we all have moments like Tom’s bringing us into something years later we’d never forget. It would please me greatly to have something commemorating Tom and his moment meeting Elvis Presley. If not for that, we wouldn’t be talking about it now. Thank you.” – Avery Bryant, Gainesville…