Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

by Horse Farms Forever | Apr 22, 2025 | News

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You can help plan for future growth in Marion County! If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, or the development industry, then the Planning & Zoning Commission is for you! Applications are due on Friday, May 2 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 Full 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 Friday, May 2, 2025, at 4 p.m. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, May 20, 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.

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Marion County is known around the world for its open pastures, scenic beauty, and rich agricultural heritage—but none of it stays protected by accident. That’s where Horse Farms Forever steps in. We’re hosting a special fundraiser to preserve the places that make Marion County extraordinary—and thanks to a generous friend of Horse Farms Forever, every dollar you give will be matched.

Double the impact. Double the preservation power.

Donate Today

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.

Join Today!

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Signs of Change

by Horse Farms Forever | Apr 10, 2025 | News

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Signs of Protest

Who remembers the “Save It, Don’t Pave It” signs from 2018 that were all over Marion County when the Florida Department of Transportation was proposing a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area? Those signs did a lot to raise awareness that organized citizens to stop the coastal connector and led to the birth of Horse Farms Forever.

Signs of Unity

Now you may have noticed that since then those signs have been replaced by Horse Farms Forever signs on fences all over the county. These signs are given to our members who choose to display them on the fences of their farms and businesses. They send an important message from our members to all who live here and to those just passing through:

HFF Members care about our horse farms.
They want horses and horse farms to continue to characterize Marion County forever.
Marion County has a watchdog organization (HFF) to help guide its growth in a direction that protects its open spaces.
Our members are proud to be a part of that mission.
Our members are numerous!

Much like the “neighborhood watch” signs that you see on our streets for crime prevention, the Horse Farms Forever signs make it clear that farm owners and equestrians all over the county, and particularly in the Farmland Preservation Area, are engaged in the conversation about conservation. These signs signal shared values and commitment to what makes Marion County unique and defines our quality of life. They invite your neighbors to ask questions, which gives you as a member the opportunity to help spread the word about preserving our open spaces and beautiful places in a natural and neighborly way.

If you are a member at the $100 level or more and don’t have a fence sign, we welcome you to request one. A volunteer will reach out to you to set up the installation. The simple statement of a sign on your fence, added in with all the other fence signs out there around the County, sends a strong message without saying a word. We hope you’ll take us up on the offer.

Join us! All members who donate $100 or more can receive a sign to display on your property! Be sure to request a Fence Sign when completing your membership form.

Join Us

Double the impact. Double the preservation power.

Donate Today

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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

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.

HFF 2025 Chi Institute Behind the Gates25

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

HFF 2025 Chi Institute Behind the Gates39

Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

Join Today!

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HFF is Raising the Alarm on SB 1118 That Fast-Tracks Development of Agricultural Lands

by Horse Farms Forever | Mar 6, 2025 | News, Watching

Horse Farms Forever, Inc.® is raising the alarm on Senate Bill 1118 filed by Senator Stan McClain that fast-tracks the development of “agricultural enclaves” and “infill residential development” parcels without any oversight from local government.

If this bill passes as written, what does it mean in Marion County? One example would be any parcel that qualifies as an agricultural enclave or infill residential development parcel, as newly defined by the bill, would be exempt from the protections of the Farmland Preservation Area, the comprehensive plan and the land development code, and administratively approved for development without any public hearing.

Senate Bill 1118 defines agricultural enclaves and infill residential developments, then exempts them from all normal development standards mandated by the comprehensive plan, land development code, and public hearing requirements, which are essential guiderails in place to assure local rule and protect the public.

Please read the letter Horse Farms Forever below that was sent to Kathy Bryant, Chairman of the Marion County Commission outlining our concerns.

March Membership Roundup & Founder Spotlight

by Horse Farms Forever | Mar 6, 2025 | News

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Springing Forward with a Commitment to Preservation

As the days grow longer and with spring around the corner, we’re reminded of the beauty and vitality of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. At Horse Farms Forever, we are embracing the season of renewal with a steadfast commitment to protecting the open spaces and equestrian heritage that define our community.

Each new membership and renewal strengthens our shared mission, ensuring that the land we cherish remains safeguarded for future generations. Whether you’ve been part of our journey for years or are just joining us, your support makes a lasting impact.

As Florida welcomes the fresh energy of spring, we celebrate the growing network of individuals and businesses standing behind preservation. Take a look at our members’ logos and see the community dedicated to keeping Marion County’s farmland forever protected.

Join us in welcoming our newest members and applauding those who have renewed this month. With your support, we continue to move forward—championing conservation, advocating for responsible growth, and preserving the rural character that makes this region so special.

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Come visit us at our Ocala branch, located in the Historic District, near Ocala Downtown Square and Silver Springs State Park. As a leading regional bank in the Southeast, we’re committed to helping our customers find their success. With a robust suite of products including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, wealth management, and commercial and small business loans and solutions our bankers are here to help tailor a solution to fit your unique needs. This paired with our convenient ATMs, online banking and mobile app, means you can bank conveniently anytime, anywhere. This is banking at its best. This is banking forward.

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UF Health, the medical network of the University of Florida, includes UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, UF Health Jacksonville, and multiple facilities across North Florida. Formerly known as Shands Healthcare, it encompasses UF’s colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine. The network also includes hospitals in Leesburg and The Villages®, UF Health North, and an academic campus in Jacksonville. With primary and specialty care practices throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia, UF Health is committed to exceptional patient care, innovative education, and impactful research.

Visit Website

Country Road Farm

William White

Jone Woerner

Frank Owings

Kenny Annette

Ashley Schulten

Shari Guletz

Shawn Faircloth

Vickie Nitschke

Laura Rutan

John Rooney

Carol Tremblay

Julia Davies

Debra Stevenson

Alexis Evanich

John Crowe

Ron Beschmann

Sarah Almeida Dennis

Barbara Hudgens

Nancy DiMaggio

Mary Fraysure

Mindy Morrow

Jeff Ulmer

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Big News for Farmland Preservation Month!

Spring is just around the corner, and so is Farmland Preservation Month—a time to celebrate, protect, and invest in the future of Marion County’s open spaces. This year, we have something extra special in store!

Next month, we’ll be launching a fundraising initiative to help safeguard the land we cherish. And here’s the exciting part: a generous friend of Horse Farms Forever has stepped up to match all donations—dollar for dollar! That means every contribution will go twice as far in preserving our rural landscape and equestrian heritage.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our mission, this is your chance to make a real impact. Together, we can ensure that Marion County’s land remains protected for generations to come!

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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

Ocala is #1 in Growth: HFF is Watching for Potential Threats

by Horse Farms Forever | Feb 14, 2025 | News

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Recent news from U-Haul shows that the Ocala metro area is a top growth city based on their study that tracks one-way U-Haul rentals. With nearly 270 people moving to Marion County every week, the County is one of the fastest growing communities. Over the next 20 years, the population is expected to reach nearly 500,000 residents.

At Horse Farms Forever, we actively monitor this growth and it is one of our top priorities, as we track all of the development applications that may adversely affect horse farms, rural areas, and the Farmland Preservation Area.

Where will the growth go?

As part of Marion County’s Comprehensive Plan, the Urban Growth Boundary was designated to plan for growth and provide public services. The County’s Urban Growth Boundary is about 122,000 acres. This is about 11 percent of Marion County as it encompasses just over 1 million acres.

There are several cities and urban areas that are located outside of the Urban Growth Boundary, such as Dunnellon, Belleview, Silver Springs Shores, and Marion Oaks, that are appropriate for residential and urban development.

Urban Growth Boundary Bigger than Orlando

With 122,000 acres in the Urban Growth Boundary, how does this compare to other growing cities? The City of Orlando is about 88,000 acres, and this makes the County’s Urban Growth Boundary about 34,000 acres larger than Orlando. There is also ample land within the Urban Growth Boundary as about 50 percent is available for development, as stated at a recent Marion County Commission workshop.

Staggering Number of Approved Residential Units

According to a report presented at the Strategic Planning workshop in May of 2022, the County has more than 135,000 approved residential units. Over 50,000 residential units were approved from 2017 to 2022. The bulk of the approved units include nearly 86,000 undeveloped lots that were approved decades ago, such as in Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores.

The map shows that the majority of the developments are within the Urban Growth Boundary. The County projects show as balloons. Pending permits are yellow and permitted are green. The light green shaded area is the FPA. The bright pink dotted line designates the Urban Growth Boundary. If you go to the map link, a list shows the name of each development project with the date of the approval of the project and number of units for each project. (Click on the Layers tab.)

View Map

HFF is Monitoring for Threats

The reality is that both Florida and Marion County are growing. Given the magnitude of growth that’s projected for Marion County, the land use decisions made by government officials and landowners over the next 20 years will determine our future.

Horse Farms Forever is focused on protecting and preserving horse farms in the areas of the County with a Future Land Use of Rural Land, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area.

Growth is good for a community, as long as it is well-planned and goes where it was intended within the Urban Growth Boundary, which serves twin purposes as it also helps to preserve our farmland and our $4.3 billion-dollar equine industry.

Maintaining this balance between growth and preservation will take a cooperative effort from both sides of the table.

Join Today!

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