NEW Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

by Busy Shires | May 19, 2025 | Informational, News

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There is a new vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission for an Alternate Member. If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, or the development industry, then the Planning & Zoning Commission is for you! Applications are due on Thursday, May 29 at 4:00 PM.

The P & Z Commission is made up of citizens who volunteer their time to research, review, and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on current and long-range planning. These meetings are an important part of the public process and discussion about growth.

The P&Z Commission holds public hearings on proposed rezonings and makes recommendations to the County Commission on adopting or amending the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Land Development Code.

Planning & Zoning Commision (1 Alternate Member - Unexpired Term 09/2025)

P&Z Commission Responsibilities:

To review & conduct public hearings on proposed rezoning of properties in Marion County & to make recommendations to the county commission in regard to adoption & amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code or Land Development Code elements or portions thereof.

The Local Planning Agency shall be composed of seven members to be appointed by the county commission.

The areas of planning, environmental science and the development industry should be considered in appointing members.
Applicants should have the ability to address issues relating to evaluation of development impact in diverse areas of the county.
All members shall serve a term of four years.
No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms.

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Fill Out This Application Form

RETURN FORM TO:

MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

Or via email to: Commissionadmin@marionfl.org

For questions, call 352-438-2323

The deadline for receiving applications is Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 4 p.m. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, or as soon thereafter as possible.

To be eligible, you must be a qualified voter and resident of Marion County. This is a volunteer position.

Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.

Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.

Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.

Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.

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Inspiring Behind the Gate Event at Chi University

by Busy Shires | Apr 10, 2025 | Events, News

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Photo Credit: Elma Garcia-Cannavino

Horse Farms Forever’s Behind the Gate event at the Chi University on April 2nd was a memorable and educational evening to showcase the world-renowned veterinary school.

Over 90 VIP members and community leaders joined us for an exclusive, invitation-only behind-the-scenes look at one of our Founder Members. This year, we were honored to showcase the incredible Chi University.

Chi University was founded in 1998 by Dr. Xie Huisheng, DVM, PhD, with a mission to educate and train veterinarians in acupuncture and integrative medicine. Dr. Xie is considered a “leading authority in animal acupuncture” and has authored more than 26 books. His textbooks are used for training around the world.

Our guests were captivated by the live demonstrations, on three different horses, of acupuncture and other integrative medicine techniques. The presentation by Dr. John Langlois, DVM and Assistant Professor at Chi University, was enlightening. He described the many ailments and conditions that acupuncture can treat in horses, ranging from reproductive issues to lameness, and from non-sweating to colic.

“It was an outstanding event and I was so inspired,” said Elma Garcia-Cannavino, Director and Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever. “I already use acupuncture on my horses, so it was really amazing to finally get to see the acupuncture and eastern medicine clinic right here in our back yard.”

Dr. Lisa Trevisanello, Provost of Chi University, and Dr. Terri Rosado, Assistant Professor at Chi University and the Medical Director of the Chi Animal Hospital, also spoke at the Behind the Gate event.

Over the past 27 years, the Chi University has trained over 11,000 veterinarians from 75 countries worldwide in acupuncture and integrative medicine. Chi University just recently opened a new Integrative Veterinary Hospital on the Chi University campus to provide both holistic and modern veterinary care tailored to meet the needs of both small animals and horses.

Horse Farms Forever would like to thank Dr. Xie Huisheng, DVM, PhD, and his wife Yanru Zhao, VP Finance at Chi University, for allowing Horse Farms Forever and our guests the incredible opportunity to go Behind the Gates at the Chi University.

Thank you also to the Duke Energy Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the Behind the Gate event at Chi University.

Horse Farms Forever was recently awarded a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support our educational programs.

“I’m just so proud to support what Horse Farms Forever is doing,” said Mike Mangan, Account Executive, Duke Energy Corporation. “At the pace that we are growing, I’m afraid that without Horse Farms Forever, we would see negative impacts to our horse farm community that would be irreversible.”

Horse Farms Forever holds three events every year as part of our core mission of education, awareness, and idea exchange. The Behind the Gate event is meant to be a “behind the gate look” of one of our Founder Members to showcase their business or horse farm, as well as their contributions to the local community and equine industry. Last year, the Behind the Gate event was held at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s office in Ocala.

AdventHealth made a compelling presentation about their new Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative at the Summit. www.HarnessingHealthOcala.com

Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

Dr. John Langlois demonstrates acupuncture on a horse. From L to R: Carl Zalak, III, Marion County Commissioner; Bartow McDonald IV at SVN/McDonald & Company; Laura Drake McDonald; Nicole Hornblower, Owner of Little Creek Farm; Valerie Dailey, Owner and Broker, Showcase Properties; and Samantha Dailey, Broker Associate, Realtor, Showcase Properties.

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As guests arrived, they were asked to choose a “Dragon Egg” based on the Five Elements. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – reflect personality traits, emotions, and health tendencies. For example, Wood is confident, adaptive, competitive, natural leader, can be impatient or frustrated. Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

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Dr. Lisa Trevisanello, Provost of Chi University; Jennifer Fryns, Vice President, Workforce Development and Innovation, College of Central Florida selected a “Fire Element” Dragon Egg. Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

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Lisa Varner, Sales Manager, North Central Florida Media; Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Executive Director, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses; Lisa selected a “Fire Element” Dragon Egg. Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

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Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

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Mark Emery Inspires at Springs Forever! Conservation Summit

by Busy Shires | Nov 21, 2024 | Events, News

Mark Emery’s stunning photographs of the springs showcased just how important Marion County’s springs are to ensuring clean drinking water for residents, visitors, as well as farms and businesses. Emery is an Emmy award-winning cinematographer, composer and photographer for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Network, BBC and PBS.

Event photos by Sean Dowie Photography.

Celebrating the Springs

Through Mark Emery’s photographs, Margaret Ross Tolbert’s paintings, and Dr. Jason Gulley’s inspiring story about the restoration of Crystal River, this year’s Summit raised awareness about the importance of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area because, it not only helps to protect the equine industry, it also helps to protect the aquifer recharge areas for Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.
(L to R) Gulley, Tolbert, Emery

A Master Storyteller

Mark Emery, an Emmy award winning cinematographer, shared his spectacular photographs and videos of the springs at Horse Farms Forever’s Fifth Annual Conservation Summit where over 450 guests joined us on Thursday, November 14 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Emery spoke passionately about the global importance of Silver Springs and the Silver River, as it is the world’s largest artesian spring and one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. The river’s primeval woodlands made it the perfect backdrop for many films including the original Tarzan movie. Film crews are still drawn to the Silver River, which was named for its silvery appearance.

We don’t realize what an international treasure this is, and it’s right here in our backyard.

Mark Emery

Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer, Mark Emery Films

As a lifelong resident of Marion County, Emery has seen the difference in the water quality at Silver Springs, as well as the number and type of fish in the Silver River. He is hopeful that restoration work to join Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers will reestablish the fish species and create more suitable habitat for manatees.

He also shared colorful stories about wrestling alligators and milking rattlesnakes at Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute in the 1960s.

Over 450 guests joined Horse Farms Forever at our Fifth Annual Conservation Summit held on Thursday, November 14 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Full Immersion

Renowned artist of the springs, Margaret Ross Tolbert talked about how the springs and the translucent quality of the water are her muse.

The paradisiacal springs of North Florida are my paintings’ subject and metaphor. The springs paintings begin on site at the water’s edge and often in the water. I swim in the springs, I sketch underwater; and I’m inspired to write when I am beside them.

Margaret Ross Tolbert

International Artist of the Springs

Her large-scale paintings have been installed in many museums and airports across the United States. Most recently, an 18-foot painting of Silver Springs was installed at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

“I am proud that a painting of our very own Silver Springs welcomes people to the US Embassy in Turkey, and that a spring serves a symbol for our nation,” said Tolbert.

Conservation in Action

National Geographic Explorer and geology professor Dr. Jason Gulley spoke about the science of the springs and how the successful restoration project in Crystal River gives him hope about the future of Florida’s springs.

Crystal River got its name because the water was turquoise and crystal clear. But due to some poor decisions about waste water and sewage treatment, algae smothered the aquatic grasses that were the foundation of the healthy, spring fed estuary. It got so bad, if you held your hand in front of your face, you could barely see your hand.

Jason Gulley, PhD

National Geographic Explorer, Geology Professor, Cave Diver

The restoration project at Crystal River has become the model for the rest of the state. Dr. Gulley’s photograph of a mother manatee and her calf was taken in the restored Hunter Springs, which is located in Crystal River. The photo is among several highly commended in the BBC’s 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

From Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow

Horse Farms Forever was honored to present the Acorn Award to Guy Marwick because through his decades-long leadership, he has helped protect thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land in Marion County and across Florida. Guy, who now serves as the Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation, was the original Founder and Director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center. The museum opened over 30 years ago in 1991 as a partnership with Marion County Public Schools and over 15,000 children visit the museum every year.

(L to R): HFF President Bernie Little, Guy Marwick, President of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, Margaret Spontak.

Springs Forever! Poster Contest

To help nurture and encourage the next generation, Horse Farms Forever sponsored a poster and essay contest for all K-12 students in partnership with the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. The winners were presented with ribbons and gift certificates.

Division 10th–12th:

1st Place: Julianna Butler (Dunnellon)
2nd Place: Matthew Bishop (Acceleration Academy)

Division 7th–9th:

1st Place: Laylia Johnson (Fort McCoy)
2nd Place: Mia L Senteno (North Marion)

Division 4th–6th:

1st Place: Lilly Dubon (Reddick)
2nd Place: Lucas Butler (Dunnellon)
3rd Place: Taelor Crawford (Reddick)

Division 2nd–3rd:

1st Place: Sloane Freeman (Reddick)
2nd Place: Lexi Smith (Sparr)
3rd Place: Hannah Bowman (Sparr)

Division K–1st:

1st Place: Logan Freeman (Reddick)
2nd Place: Leo Plaskett (Anthony)

The Vital Connection Between Springs and Farmland

The purpose of this year’s Springs Forever! Conservation Summit was to create awareness about the Farmland Preservation Area and why it is not only the lifeblood for the horse industry, but it is also the lifeblood for our springs and the groundwater for the citizens of Marion County.

Thank you for joining us!

And a big THANK-YOU to our Title Sponsor, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and our Presenting Sponsor, Advent Health Ocala!

GALLERY

Photos by Sean Dowie Photography

AdventHealth made a compelling presentation about their new Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative at the Summit. www.HarnessingHealthOcala.com

L to R: Amy Mangan, Executive Director, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, Erika Skula, President & CEO, and Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager

Mermaid Britt Renee with Alice Sasnett-Valle, Gifted Educator & Enrichment Facilitator and the students from Reddick -Collier Elementary

A big THANK-YOU to our Title Sponsor, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and our Presenting Sponsor, Advent Health Ocala!

Springs Forever Title Sponsor Thank U (3)

And to all our Sponsors:

GOLD

Live Oak Stud Ocala Marion County Florida

Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Saint Bernard Foundation

Paul & Ann Kaplan

Matt & Courtney Varney

Bill Kearns

Nicole Hornblower

SILVER

Imagine

BRONZE

MARKETING PARTNERS

Volunteer Board Opening: Make a Difference for Farmland

by Busy Shires | Oct 26, 2024 | Events, News, Plan

Land Development Regulation Commission

The Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is the commission that has the most impact on how Marion County grows. The LDRC makes recommendations in regards to the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and the Zoning Code.

Opening:

Land Development Regulation Commission (1 Full Member – Full Term 11/2028)

If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, agriculture, or the development industry, then the Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is for you!

The LDRC’s role in shaping future growth is even more important now, as the County is updating its policies in the Comprehensive Plan through the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The Comprehensive Plan is like a road map for the community and it will guide where and how Marion County grows over the next 20 years.

If you meet the qualifications and are willing to volunteer your time, then we encourage you to apply. If you have previously applied and were not selected, your previous application to the LDRC will stay active for one year from the date that it was submitted. If a previous applicant wants to be considered for the current LDRC vacancy, they must send an email to CommissionAdmin@MarionFL.org stating that they would like their previous application to be considered.

HOW TO APPLY:

Land Development Regulation Commission (1) Full Member – Full Term 11/2028

Responsibilities: Members shall be qualified electors in Marion County, preferably knowledgeable in the areas of planning, environmental science, agriculture, and the development industry, as well as in technical fields related to land development regulations. They should have the ability to evaluate and recommend specific regulatory standards and criteria to the County Commission regarding the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and Zoning Code. Additionally, members are responsible for preparing an annual report recommending amendments to the Land Development Code or Zoning Code.

The members of the LDRC are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. To be eligible, you must be a qualified voter and resident of Marion County. This is a volunteer position.

Applications for said vacancies may be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office located at 601 S.E. 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida; or by calling 352-438-2323.

To apply, download this form:

Application

Duties:

To review and consider all proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
To hold public hearings regarding proposed land development regulations and amendments thereto.
To make recommendations to the county commission regarding consistency of proposed land development regulations or amendments with the county’s approved and adopted comprehensive plan.
To review and make recommendations to the county commission regarding the adoption and amendments to the Land Development Code.
To monitor and oversee the effectiveness and status of the Land Development Code and recommend to the county commission such changes in the code as may be required.
To make its special knowledge and expertise available, upon reasonable written request and authorization of the county commission to any official, department, board, commission or agency of the county, state or federal governments.

Previous applications to the LDRC stay active for one year from the date that they were submitted. If a previous applicant wants to be considered for the current LDRC vacancy, they must send an email to CommissionAdmin@MarionFL.org stating that they would like their previous application to be considered.

The deadline for receiving applications is Friday, November 1, 2024 at 4 p.m. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 or as soon thereafter as possible.

Contact the County about the EAR:

For any additional questions regarding the EAR process, please email Planning@MarionFL.org with your subject line including 'EAR' or call us at 352-438-2675 & ask for a planner.

https://www.marionfl.org/agencies-departments/departments-facilities-offices/growth-services/planning-zoning/ear

The workshops will be livestreamed. Check the County’s agenda webpage for the link: https://marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Guy Marwick Honored with 2024 Acorn Conservation Award

by Busy Shires | Oct 4, 2024 | Events, News

Horse Farms Forever is honored to present the Acorn Conservation Award to Guy Marwick, Founder of the Silver River Museum and Director of The Felburn Foundation. The Award will be presented at the Springs Forever! Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 PM at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

The Acorn Conservation Award is given to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land and horse farms in Marion County. Guy has been instrumental in protecting thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land in Marion County and across Florida.

In the early 1970s, Guy was inspired to help protect the environment after reading Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. Since then, he has devoted much of his career to protecting the environment, either through science-based education or through boots on the ground land conservation.

His passion for science education started when he was a teacher at Osceola Middle School in Marion County. He saw the need for active learning programs in his classroom, which led to him founding and serving as the Director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center over thirty years ago. The museum opened in 1991 as a partnership with Marion County Public Schools and over 20,000 people visit the museum every year, with 10,000 being school children on field trips.

Guy’s dedication to land conservation was fueled by watching the wilderness that he explored as a child in Broward County be developed. Through his leadership, he has championed the preservation of Silver Springs and the Silver River. In 2013, he was instrumental in the designation of Silver Springs as a State Park, which now encompasses 4,000 acres. Guy also helped protect over 10,000 acres of the spring shed surrounding Silver Springs through the preservation of the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill property, the 4,900-acre Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, as well as the 4,568-acre Indian Lake State Forest.

In addition, Guy helped spearhead Marion County’s Pennies for Parks program, which through a $20 million bond issue in 1988, created several new parks including Brick City Adventure Park, Independence Park, the Wrigley Fields sportsplex near Citra, and it also helped expand and upgrade Carney Island on Lake Weir. As Director of The Felburn Foundation, Guy finds inspiration as the Foundation has not only helped protect land in Florida, but also waterfalls in the Carolinas, caves in Georgia and springs in Kentucky. In addition, the Foundation has built libraries and educational facilities, funded environmental research, and even helped protect endangered animals as far away as Africa and Australia.

“Every year, through my work at the Felburn Foundation, we get to do about 50 really great projects,” says Guy. “This gives me hope for the future because we are accomplishing something that will help make the world a better place.”

For this year’s Conservation Summit, Horse Farms Forever is creating awareness about how important the Farmland Preservation Area is, not only for the equine community but also for springs and the Floridan Aquifer, which is the main source of our drinking water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as part of the recharge area for two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.

Photo by Mark Emery

Please join us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of Guy Marwick, a champion for Marion County’s springs and an ardent protector of our environment and natural resources.

The Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center provides unique hands-on learning opportunities for Marion County Public School students, staff and the general public. Visitors learn about the cultural and natural history of Florida, and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural and natural resources.

Their primary mission is to educate Marion County Public School students about Florida history and science, and assist them in achieving the highest scholastic standards possible. They strive to promote good stewardship of our environment with the hope of providing a better tomorrow.

Each school day, students are bused to the museum for classes. Fourth-grade students visit as part of their Florida history requirement. Students in 4th and 5th grades also visit for science instruction. Over 20,000 people visit the museum each year, 10,000 of whom are children on field trips.

The museum is located within Silver Springs State Park. It is closed during the week to the public as Marion County school children attend classes. On weekends, the museum is staffed by park service personnel and volunteers and is open to the public both Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Admission is $2 per person. Children under age six visit for free.