You are so right. My family homestead is there. My grandparents moved there in the early 20’s. My mom always talked about how much it changed from when she was a little girl, to when we moved (back) there in 1970. It has continued changing and growing more than any other place I’ve lived (8 cities/towns in 5 different states since leaving for college).
My siblings who are still there don’t understand it because it happens in real time for them. Oh, and the reason for the hour or two driving around is because that’s how long it takes to get through daily traffic there. So many lights. So many lanes. Every year there are so many changes. Still a cool place though, and will always feel like home anyway.
Not only the lights, but the local libs plan for mass transit and bicycles. I couldn’t believe they took main street from 4 lanes to two. And going north on 34th past university is a nightmare.
Gatorade became a major success and founded the sports drink line of products because the University of Florida football team needed a better refreshment during hot summer practices, and Tom Petty was a hard drinking traveling salesman's unaccountably artistic son who found his calling when he briefly met Elvis in Ocala and took up rock music. Fans singing Petty's “I Won't Back Down” is now a staple of Florida Gator games.