Downtown Ocala business owners say they have seen a decrease in foot traffic and revenue since the city began construction of its second parking garage, with many asking the city for improved communication on the project and consideration for lost revenue.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocala City Council, representatives from several businesses expressed their concerns with the ongoing construction for the city’s second parking garage.
“Since the construction began, I have seen a decline in foot traffic,” said Sarah Partee, owner of The Gathering Cafe.
Partee, who moved her business to downtown Ocala in 2023, said she’s seen a decrease of 50% in her revenue that has made it “increasingly difficult” for her to cover “basic operating costs.” She went on to cite a specific instance where construction crews made a mistake and disrupted her business for an entire day…