What is a Petition for Writ of Certiorari?

The Latin word certiorari means “to be more fully informed”. Writs of certiorari are used to seek appellate review of lower tribunal decisions that are not otherwise subject to appeal. In this matter, Mrs. Weber seeks certiorari review of the quasi-judicial actions of the local County Commission action that would not be subject to direct appeal under general law. Quasi-judicial actions of local agencies not subject to the Florida Administrative Procedure Act are reviewed in a first-tier certiorari review by Florida’s circuit courts. On first-tier certiorari review, the circuit courts’ review is limited to a three-pronged test to determine “whether procedural due process is accorded, whether the essential requirements of the law have been observed, and whether the administrative findings and judgment are supported by competent substantial evidence.” The circuit courts’ decisions are subject to further, discretionary review by the appropriate district court of appeal.

What is a Petition for a Formal Administrative Hearing

A petition for a Florida administrative hearing (DOAH) is a formal, written request initiated under the Florida Administrative Procedure Act to contest an agency’s action that affects your substantial interests. The petition must be filed within strict deadlines and must contain specific facts, legal grounds for challenge, and a request for relief. In this matter, Mrs. Weber asks an Administrative Law Judge to resolve disputes regarding development orders and local government comprehensive plans through formal, court-like proceedings. These hearings allow Mrs. Weber to challenge County Commission actions independent of the agency involved.

What is a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

A Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in Florida is a legal document filed in circuit or federal court to resolve legal uncertainty and prevent immediate harm. It requires demonstrating an actual, bona fide controversy regarding rights under laws, contracts, or statutes, seeking a court declaration of rights and a court-ordered stop to specific actions. In this matter, the complaint from Mrs. Weber states that, “The Board does not have discretion to do what it prefers, wants, or believes is justified on a quasi-judicial rezoning — it has a legal responsibility to deny the application if it does not comply with the applicable law”. It further states, “the land development approvals are legally invalid and were unlawfully approved.”

Horse Farms Forever was founded in 2018 with a powerful and important mission: to inspire the conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange. To fulfill our mission, we show up, stay engaged, and refuse to back down.

Our mission compels us to accurately inform and educate. We maintain relationships with an elite group of professionals to advise us on matters including intellectual property rights, environmental issues, land use and zoning, taxation, transportation, and government affairs.

Our staff has attended thousands of hours of meetings to monitor development proposals, and when necessary, we also show up with the professional expertise needed to defend the Farmland Preservation Area. When we oppose a development application, rest assured that our position is based on the highest standards.

This high level of professional expertise is worth every penny, but it is expensive. To continue fighting, we need your help.

“We do want to thank you, and Horse Farms Forever,” said Commissioner Curry. “You have become a good partner and help put an extra set of eyes on things and have been very helpful in a number of areas. We work very closely with you to protect the Farmland Preservation Area and we are appreciative of your time.”

On April 7, the Marion County Commission officially designated April as Farmland Preservation Month.

This April only: every gift is matched. Double your impact. Double the preservation.

Commissioner Craig Curry presented the proclamation to Sara Fennessy, Executive Director of Horse Farms Forever, and Jerome Feaster of Save Our Rural Area—recognizing the vital role that farmland and our equine industry play in our community and economy.

According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Marion County has about 300,000 acres of agricultural land, which includes over 3,300 farms, including about 1,200 horse farms.

This proclamation highlights the importance of preserving the nearly 200,000-acre Farmland Preservation Area, home to rare mineral-rich soil and ground water. The deep limestone base enriches the grass and water with minerals, such as calcium. This rare soil is found in only three other areas in the world, which all have a thriving equine industry, because the mineral-rich soil helps build strong bones.

This April, Your Support Goes Twice as Far

Every April, Marion County honors Farmland Preservation Month — a recognition of what makes this region unlike anywhere else in the world. But this year, that designation carries new weight. The forces pushing to develop and pave over our horse farms and agricultural land are larger and better-funded than ever before.

Horse Farms Forever was founded in 2018 to show up, stay engaged, and refuse to back down. We have spent thousands of hours at County Commission meetings, challenged development applications, and fought back projects that would have permanently altered the Farmland Preservation Area. We have made a difference — but we cannot hold the line alone.

A generous anonymous donor is matching every dollar donated to Horse Farms Forever through April 30, with no cap. Every dollar you give becomes two.

The window to double your impact closes April 30. Don’t wait.

Every April, Marion County honors Farmland Preservation Month — a recognition of what makes this region unlike anywhere else in the world. But this year, that designation carries new weight. The forces pushing to develop, pave over our horse farms and agricultural land are larger and better-funded.

Horse Farms Forever was founded in 2018 with a simple belief: that protecting this land required someone to show up, stay engaged, and refuse to back down. Since then, we have attended thousands of hours of County Commission meetings. We have reviewed development applications, challenged comprehensive plan amendments, and fought back on projects that would have permanently altered the Farmland Preservation Area.

We have made a difference. But right now, we are facing a wave of commercial development with overwhelming scale and influence. We cannot hold the line alone.

All donations during April have been matched by a generous anonymous donor for Farmland Preservation Month.

​What We’re Up Against

Marion County has grown by more than 100,000 residents since our founding. With that growth has come relentless development pressure — and commercial interests that see our farmland not as a treasure, but as an opportunity. 

The development pressures are not slowing down — they are accelerating.

New applications, rezonings, and comprehensive plan challenges arrive constantly. Each one, if unchecked, chips away at the buffer that protects horse country. Without sustained, informed opposition, these decisions get made quietly — and they are nearly impossible to reverse. Our fight does not pause.