Submitted By: Tye Chighizola
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Presentation By: Tye Chighizola
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Resolution 2023-24 revising the official golf cart map to include portions of downtown Ocala
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: On December 3, 2019, City Council adopted the golf cart ordinance and on January 7, 2020, adopted a resolution concerning the golf cart map. Staff implemented the ordinance and resolution in June 2020.
Based on the original 2019 request, study area limits were S Pine Avenue (US 441) to the west, SE 25th Avenue to the east, SR 40 to the north, and SR 464 to the south. An assessment of roadways within the study area was done to determine suitability for golf cart use by considering the speed, volume, and character of motor vehicle traffic of each roadway. State roads were not included in this assessment. The research included a review of F.S. ? 316.212, F.S. ? 316.2122, and golf cart ordinances enacted by other cities in Florida. Research results and roadways recommended for golf cart designation were provided at a City Council Workshop on Golf Cart Ordinance held on July 24, 2019. The adopted 2019 Golf Cart Map boundaries included the neighborhoods north of SE 17th Street, west of SE 25th Avenue, east of SE Watula Avenue, and south of Ft King Street with a few exceptions.
In 2022, City Council requested that staff consider ordinance revisions and a map expansion to include the downtown area. Two public meetings were held on August 18, 2022, to collect community feedback regarding the current golf cart ordinance and the potential expansion of the area. During the meetings, participants expressed concerns about underaged and unlicensed drivers utilizing golf carts for transportation. On November 1, 2022, City Council voted three to two to deny the expansion of the map.
Over the past few months, st...
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