MARION COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 A Marion County couple\u2019s retirement dreams have been shattered after discovering their recently purchased home will soon sit alongside a four-lane highway, a development they say came without warning.<\/p>\n
Nita and Tony Ipsale bought their new home on what they thought was a secluded cul-de-sac in 2024. Just two weeks ago, construction crews arrived unannounced and began clearing trees, transforming their peaceful country road into a major construction zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s devastating, totally devastating,\u201d said Nita Ipsale. \u201cWe always talked about when we buy a house we\u2019ll never be on a main road. And we got the worst road being put in.\u201d<\/p>\n
The county\u2019s plans, detailed on their website, reveal the project will create a four-lane divided road featuring wider lanes, bike lanes in each direction, and a raised median with turn lanes. The Ipsales say they were completely unaware of these plans until construction crews appeared at their doorstep.<\/p>\n
The construction has already impacted their quality of life. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have chronic pulmonary issues. And I can\u2019t be breathing this all the time. And it\u2019s going to last a year. At least a year,\u201d Nita explained.<\/p>\n
Beyond the immediate construction concerns, the couple faces practical challenges. The project will claim a portion of their driveway, raising concerns about basic access to their property.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like a stress every day,\u201d Tony Ipsale said. \u201cThe noise and the dirt. And the future that we don\u2019t have. How are we going to get in and out of our driveway? How are we going to get our camper out?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ipsales are calling on Marion County officials to consider buying their property. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe right thing to do would be have someone come out and evaluate what we have, what we\u2019ve invested in the house. And buy us out. Help us get into a better situation,\u201d Tony said.<\/p>\n
Marion County officials have not yet responded to requests for comment about why the Ipsales\u2019 home wasn\u2019t included in property acquisitions for the project, while surrounding properties were purchased.<\/p>\n
The experience has left the couple determined to be more thorough in any future home purchases. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf they do come and take it, which, God please! I\u2019m gonna do so much research on the next house that I buy! I\u2019m gonna make sure there\u2019s no plans, no permits,\u201d Nita said.<\/p>\n
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