The Ocala city fathers are working on a plan to revitalize the downtown area here. Revitalization is something that cities large and small have been doing nationwide for years and it is a good thing.
Certainly no one wants a deteriorating center city area yet as business and residents flee to the "burbs", the downtown areas go to pot.
Greenville, SC is one town I'm somewhat familiar with and they have done a wonderful job with their downtown area. With lots of pedestrian walkways, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, live music and plenty of events, downtown Greenville is a destination.
Gainesville, FL too has a beautifully redone downtown area that is a joy to visit and stroll. Again cafes, boutiques, and the Hippodrome theatre make for an interesting place to visit. Check the web slide show.
I'm looking forward to see how the master plan for Ocala's downtown plays out over the next 10 years.