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Where Is “Dunnellon”?
When we moved from Miami, we told everyone that we were moving to “Dunnellon”. Our mortgage papers, postal address change form, credit and banking statements – everything – was changed to reflect our new address….”Dunnellon, Florida”. Now, after making the move, buying a home, etc., we find that we don’t actually live in “Dunnellon”. While our address clearly states that we do, we find that since we don’t live within the City Limits, we are “outsiders”. We cannot vote in city elections, and have no input into issues that will affect us directly. Consider the Lowe’s store that is being pushed through the illustrious Dunnellon City Council. Those of us “outsiders” who reside in the outlying areas of Dunnellon, while being greatly affected by this development, have no say in the outcome. Should we appear at a council meeting, we would most probably be dismissed as “outsiders”, as has happened in the past on other issues. While the City may consider us persona non grata, I believe that we still should have some input on issues that will affect our lifestyle, and the complexion of the town. Dunnellon is not only comprised of the area within the city limits, but extends to Rainbow Springs, The Forest, The Hills of Ocala, and all the other communities that surround it. As we are denied representation on the Council, it might be helpful to bring our concerns to the other governmental agencies that regulate the decisions taken by it. I am not a lawyer, nor am I an expert on government; but we have many folks in our communities that are, and I am calling on them to provide guidance and advice on this issue of representation. Just what are our prerogatives, as “outsiders”? Must we stand by and watch the city council destroy the small town atmosphere which drew us here in the first place? If we had wanted to live in Ocala, or Orlando, we would have moved there. We moved to “Dunnellon” to enjoy life in a small town, with local businesses run by our neighbors, not another strip-mall eyesore bustling with big-box stores and fast food joints. While the ‘economic development’ of Dunnellon may cause the powers that be to rub their hands in anticipation of the swelling of the city coffers, I believe that this course is short-sighted and ill-advised. What do you think? We at Dunnellon Online seek to represent all of Dunnellon, not just those within the city limits, and we need your help. Together we can formulate a plan of action, and possibly head off this wholesale destruction of one of Florida’s last real small towns. We will be a clearinghouse for any ideas or suggestions you have. Just reply to the address below and we’ll get to work. The alternative, it would seem, is to surrender our way of life to the fast buck and the juggernaut of commercialism that has ruined so many other towns.
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