Over the past several months, Horse Farms Forever shared our concerns about the proposed changes to 275 acres in the Farmland Preservation Area with representatives of Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center. These proposed changes could have set in motion a ripple effect to wear away the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area.
With the tremendous outpouring of support from horse farm owners and the community, our concerns and shared voices have been heard. Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center has agreed to withdraw their request to move the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area on 118 acres in Area 1.
In addition, Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center has agreed to limit the commercial uses allowed on 157 acres in Area 8 to equestrian specific uses and to reduce the amount of land available for commercial use to a 35% floor area ratio, or up to 55 acres. The list of equestrian uses is more restrictive than what is already allowed in Marion County’s comprehensive plan.
With these two changes to help respect the Farmland Preservation Area, Horse Farms Forever offers our full support for Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center’s land use amendments to develop the World Equestrian Center into a world-class destination.
The additional changes to their 4,200-acre Development of Regional Impact are within Marion County’s Urban Growth Boundary and do not directly impact the Farmland Preservation Area.
The World Equestrian Center will bring enormous vitality to our horse industry and economy. In the decades to come, the vision to build the World Equestrian Center will dramatically impact this community in many positive ways. It will be a significant driver of the economy and will cement our region’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World. This growth, if managed well, will enhance our quality of life.
Our future, and the future of the World Equestrian Center, depends on preserving the land for horses. Without the land, there are no horses.
Now that the threats to the Farmland Preservation Area have been removed, let’s join our voices to thank the leadership of Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center for creating the right kind of ripples in our community, building a thriving and robust horse industry in Marion County.
The community came together to join Horse Farms Forever protecting the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area. Now, now let’s stand together again with Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center at the May 28 Marion County Commission meeting and advocate for the approval of their amendment to the comprehensive plan. We thank them for listening to our concerns and agreeing to join us in safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area.
Busy Shires Byerly is director of conservation strategies for Horse Farms Forever.