Rob Pruitt

Rob Pruitt, director of Ocala's airport, said Gainesville's proposal is good for Ocala at this time.

"Right now we don't have the infrastructure in place to accept air carrier service," Pruitt said.Ocala needs an air traffic control tower and a larger terminal to handle new security mandates.He said he is working to put that infrastructure in place, but it will take a couple of years.

"By then, we should have resources and capability of marketing this airport for commercial service," Pruitt said."It takes a huge budget to do that.Gainesville has the budget to do it and a marketing committee.Right now, we don't have that budget.I will assure you, at the right time we will actively pursue air service here."

He supports Gainesville's efforts in spite of the bad feelings that arose when Gainesville elected to build its airport to the north instead of the south between the two cities.
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"I would not agree to this if I, ultimately, didn't think it would help us," Pruitt said.

Jaye Baillie, president and CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, favors the two communities working together.

"They are looking to have $500,000 to $1 million set aside in this travel trust," Baillie said."The way I view the travel trust is a vote of confidence.We see a direct route from Gainesville to New York as important for us."

March 7 - Rob Pruitt - Ocala Airport Manager What's Happening at the Airport?

Rob Pruitt, manager of Ocala International Airport, said the antenna probably wouldn't affect aircraft in the area since planes are required to fly at 1,000 feet or higher over residential areas.

Still, Pruitt added, "It's always a good idea to have lights at the top of any kind of tall tower because we have a lot of helicopters around here and they tend to fly lower."