Market Overview

“Gateway to Florida”

The Ocala/Gainesville Division covers a large portion of north central Florida, from the Georgia state line to 20 miles north of Tampa and from the Gulf of Mexico to Silver Springs. This area is the “Gateway to Florida,” providing entry by way of I-75 and U.S. 19.

Along with tourism, Ocala/Gainesville credits manufacturing, agriculture and the expansion of retirement communities as contributors to a healthy economy. Film production is also a growing aspect, contributing millions of dollars annually to its economy. Due to diversity of business in the area, the economy remains more stable than other parts of the country. Managing growth is a high priority in most communities.

Horses dominate Ocala’s economy and countryside. Ocala/Marion County is proud to be a major site for thoroughbred and other horse breeding and training. USDA statistics indicate that Marion County has more horses than any other county in the country and is known as “The Horse Capital of the World”. HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) Ocala Winter Circuit annually brings visitors from around the country for six weeks of competition, adding an estimated $30 million to the local economy. Ocala is also the site of Florida’s oldest natural attraction, Silver Springs, where the glass-bottom boat was invented.

The University of Florida, home of the Gators and over 50,000 students, is Gainesville’s leading employer and the dominant force in the area’s economy. Healthcare is a strong second.

Northern Lake County, long known for its water recreation, has gained the attention of companies attracted by its central location and diverse labor force. The Villages, one of the largest active retirement communities in the nation, with approximately 60,000 residents, has energized local economy with its significant consumer base and jobs in every area. Florida’s Turnpike takes tourists and commuters through Lake County from I-75 to Orlando and Miami.

Hernando and Citrus counties, on Florida’s Nature Coast, are known for ecotourism, as well as both fresh and salt-water fishing. West Indian manatees winter in the many spring-fed rivers along the coast, and Weeki Wachee, with its mermaid and exotic bird shows, is located here. Hernando County’s economic and housing growth is being supercharged by the Suncoast Parkway, which takes commuters from Brooksville to the heart of Tampa in under 30 minutes.

With the combination of excellent bulletin coverage on I-75, Florida’s Turnpike, and state and U.S. highways, and urban bulletins and posters in the major towns in North Central Florida, Clear Channel Outdoor can reach any mobile audience.

Market Demographics

General Information
DMA Rank	164th
DMA Population (Adults 18+)	235,917
% Change 1990-2007	30%
Population Density	89
Median Age	32.1
Average Household Income	$51,545
Average Vehicles Per Household	1.7
Total Vehicles	209,179
Race Distribution & Ethnicity
Caucasian	75%
African American	18%
Asian	4%
American Indian	0%
Hawaiian	0%
Multi-Race	2%
Other	1%
Hispanic (Ethnicity)	6%
Market in Motion
Drive to Work Alone	75%
Carpool	13%
30+ Minute Commute	30%
Median Travel Time To Work One Way (minutes)	19
Research Profiles
Traveled 250 or more total miles (past week)	35%
HH Plans to Purcase/Lease Vehicle (2 yrs)	26%
Accessed Internet 10 or More Hours (past week)	28%
Plans to Purchase a Major Appliance (yr)	16%
Plans to Purchase a Major Furniture (yr)	17%
Read the Gainesville Sun Newspaper (past week)	72%
5+ Visits to a Quick Service Restaurant (past week)	46%
Plans to Purchase a Mattress (yr)	18%
Shopped for Jewelry (past 6 months)	31%

Sources: Demographics are based on the Gainesville DMA.