To many residents attending the November open house for the Suncoast Parkway, the maps on the walls meant very little.

The details of the parkway routes were not important. The issue to them was whether the goes in or not.

About 40 percent of the 750 respondents voiced strong opposition to the road. About 20 percent strongly favored it.

Many opponents cited what they consider the lack of need for a new road in Citrus County, and they doubted the project could pay for itself.

"I travel U.S. 19 nearly every day and can't see a need for additional roads through Citrus County," Charlene Robert, of Crystal River, wrote.

James Barker, Beverly Hills, said the light traffic on the northern part of Suncoast 1 should be a convincing argument against Suncoast 2.

"Just because you can build this road doesn't mean you should build it," he said. "I will bet that the tolls collected on the existing new section of the tollway do not pay the toll takers' salary and will not do so for years to come."

Other opponents question the potential for environmental or groundwater damage.

"No mitigation can replace the damage to wildlife and natural habitats," wrote Lynne Boele of Inverness.

Nancy Arden Deutsch of Crystal River wrote: "This plan and its very slick marketing is an insult to the environment, and will cause more problems than it solves."

Other opponents said the parkway will harm the community's way of life.

"The Nature Coast as we know it will slowly disappear as a quiet and scenic place to live," Stephen Johnson of Sugarmill Woods wrote. "Anyone with a brain knows this will happen."

Proponents, including many business leaders, cited the chance for controlled traffic growth, a faster route to Tampa a boost to the local economy.

"Twenty years from now, we will be applauding the foresight of FDOT in planning for our growth," said Carol Lee Wallis, Homosassa Springs, referring to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Diane and Charles Fudge, Citrus County business owners who live in St. Petersburg, said the parkway is a gift.

"We use the Veterans Expressway at least three times a week," they wrote. "Although expensive -- well worth it!"

The Suncoast Parkway feeds into the Veterans Expressway in Hillsborough County.

Many parkway proponents said they want the process to speed up.

"Build the parkway and make the route decision quickly," Gerry Mulligan, Chronicle publisher, wrote.

Some also said they are frustrated with the opposition.

"citrus County needs the Suncoast Parkway," Mike Calabelli of Inverness wrote. "I wish all these naysayers will end their selfish battle."