Summer 2025 Founder Roundup: June – September

by Horse Farms Forever | Oct 1, 2025 | News

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As fall settles over Marion County, Horse Farms Forever is reflecting on the season just past with deep gratitude. This summer, from June through September, new and renewing Founders stepped forward to strengthen our mission: to protect the Farmland Preservation Area and the rural character of our community for generations to come.

Founders are not only supporters, they are visionaries. Their leadership ensures that the open spaces, scenic views, and equestrian heritage of Marion County remain a permanent part of our landscape. By joining—or renewing—as a Founder, these individuals, families, farms, and organizations are helping to preserve the land, legacy, and lifestyle that make horse country so extraordinary.

We invite you to celebrate these new and renewing Founders whose commitment carries us into the fall with renewed purpose.

Philip & Carolina Levine

Philip and Carolina Levine founded PL Ranch in Ocala as both a retreat and a commitment to preserving Florida’s rural character. Drawn by Marion County’s beauty and equestrian heritage, they see Ocala as a rare place worth protecting and are dedicated to being thoughtful stewards of the land.

Learn More About Philip & Carolina Levine

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Phyllis & Pat Harlow

As we enter this new season, Horse Farms Forever remains steadfast in our mission—and it’s because of Founders like these that we can continue to grow, advocate, and protect the farmland that sustains both our horses and our way of life.

To our newest Founders: welcome. To our renewing Founders: thank you for your lasting dedication. Your support is the foundation of everything we do.

Together, we are ensuring that Marion County’s horse country will be forever preserved.

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

Big Budget of $554 Million for Transportation Improvements

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 26, 2025 | News, Roadway Threats

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The rapid growth in Marion County has created traffic congestion and safety issues on several roads in the County. Traffic congestion was the top issue as ranked by 91% of the respondents in the Public Survey conducted by the Ocala/Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) about the primary transportation challenges in Marion County. Other top issues included traffic safety, traffic signal timing, and not enough travel lane capacity on roadways.

To address these issues, the list of high-priority transportation projects to help alleviate the congestion was presented by the TPO at the September 25 Tourist Development Council meeting.

The Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization endorsed the Transportation Improvement Program for FY 2026 to FY 2030 in June 2025, with projects grouped into five categories including 32 Highway-Roadway projects as well as Bicycle-Pedestrian, Aviation, Transit Funding, and Maintenance-Planning projects.

More Growth = More Roads

The rapid population growth is expected to continue. The County’s population is expected to increase by 40% over the next 25 years to reach 590,000 residents by 2050. That’s an increase of 170,000 new residents from 425,000 in 2024. Over the past five years, the County has grown by over 57,000 new residents, according to the Bureau of Economic Research (BEBR) at the University of Florida.

The majority of the new roads and the transportation improvement projects are located in the southwest and southeast quadrants of the County partly because of the existing large communities of Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores that are already approved for tens of thousands of residential units.

The 2030 Existing & Committed Roadways Map includes nearly a dozen planned transportation projects.
The draft 2050 Cost Feasible Roadway Projects Map is part of the draft 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

No Impacts in the FPA

There are no major road projects planned within the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) or in the northeast section of the County. While there are no road projects planned in the FPA, there are three projects near the FPA and two areas in the FPA that were identified in the survey with High Safety Concerns.

High Safety Concerns in the FPA:

I-75 and CR 318 intersection at Irvine.
The “Y” intersection at Hwy 301 and 441.

Three projects near the FPA include:

I-75/SR 326 Interchange, including additional turn lanes on SR 326 at the interchange ramps, and improvements to interstate ramps, for a cost of $32.5 Million.
NW 49th Street – New 4-Lane Road to connect CR 225A to NW 44th Avenue. This is a connector road for the new interchange at I-75 and NW 49th Street.
NW 80th Avenue – Widen to 4 Lanes from SW 90th St to the new NW 49th St, just north of the US 27 intersection

Additional Highlights:

The cost of the new interchange at NW 49th Street is a whopping $161 Million – a $26 Million increase from the $135 Million that was reported by FDOT in August of 2024. See the FDOT report here.
I-75 Auxiliary Lanes (from SR 44 to SR 326) at a cost of $448 Million.

Link to the full Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which was adopted by the Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization in June 2025

📣 Have Traffic Concerns? Attend the Upcoming Meeting

The Draft 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) will be presented on Tuesday, September 30th at a Public Open House at the Mary Sue Rich Center 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

October 28th

Public hearing for the Draft LRTP will be held at the Marion County Commission Auditorium at 3:00 PM

November 13th

LRTP plan adoption

For More Information: www.ocalamariontpo.org

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

Four NEW Advisory Board Vacancies

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 25, 2025 | News

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There are four vacancies on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Land Development Regulation Commission. These are important advisory boards that make recommendations to the County Commission about amendments to the Land Development Code and Zoning Code. They are also an important part of the public process and discussion about growth.

If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, or the development industry, please apply! Applications are due on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 4 p.m.

(2) Full Members – New Full Term 10/2029

(1) Alternate Member – Unexpired Term 01/2026

(1) Alternate Member – New Term 10/2029

Planning & Zoning 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.

Land Development Regulation Commission Responsibilities:

Members should have knowledge in planning, environmental science, agriculture, and the development industry and be capable of evaluating and recommending specific regulatory standards and criteria, reviewing and advising the County Commission on the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and Zoning Code, and preparing an annual report with recommended amendments to these codes. Alternate members attend meetings when regular members are unavailable and may serve in their absence.

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Fill Out This Application Form

EMAIL FORM TO: CommissionAdmin@MarionFL.org

This form can be printed or saved as a PDF.

TO MAIL FORM: MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471. For questions, call 352-438-2323

Advisory Board Main Page: https://www.marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, October 21, 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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

A Season of Gratitude: Thank You to Our Board of Directors

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 12, 2025 | News

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As autumn settles over Marion County, the golden light filtering through the trees reminds us of the beauty we are all working to protect. Fall is a season of reflection and gratitude, and here at Horse Farms Forever, we are especially thankful for the dedicated leaders who guide our mission: our Board of Directors.

This year has already been extraordinary—our upcoming Conservation Summit featuring Dr. Temple Grandin sold out in record time. The overwhelming response underscores how deeply this community values the preservation of horse farms and farmland. None of this momentum would be possible without the steady leadership, passion, and commitment of our Board.

Honoring Our Board of Directors

Each member brings unique expertise, perspective, and a shared love of the land:

Linda Bammann

From a distinguished career in finance to raising and training event horses at Laughing Horse Farm, Linda blends business acumen with equestrian passion.

Learn More

Robert Desino

As a principal of Ocala Horse Properties and Wellington Equestrian Realty, Robert brings unmatched knowledge of horse farm real estate and land stewardship.

Learn More

Nick de Meric

With nearly 40 years in Marion County, Nick and his wife Jaqui have built de Meric Thoroughbred Sales into a national leader while remaining deeply rooted in our local community.

Learn More

Elma Garcia

An award-winning dressage competitor and Founder Member, Elma’s artistic eye and commitment to the mission have been invaluable since the very beginning.

Learn More

George Isaacs

For decades, George has guided Bridlewood Farm and understands firsthand the role of farmland in cultivating world-class equine athletes.

Learn More About Bridlewood Farm

Paul Kaplan

Retired from a successful career in investment management, Paul now channels his experience and energy into supporting farmland preservation.

Learn More

Tom Grabe

As publisher of The Canine Chronicle and The Equine Chronicle, Tom has long celebrated equestrian sport and invests in preserving its future here in Ocala.

Learn More

Bernard Little

With deep business ties and ownership of both horse and cattle farms, Bernard brings a practical perspective on agriculture and land use.

Learn More

Chester Weber

An international champion and passionate advocate for equestrian sports, Chester has been a steadfast voice for protecting the Farmland Preservation Area since Horse Farms Forever’s earliest days.

Learn More

Looking Ahead

With the Conservation Summit quickly approaching, we are reminded that preserving horse farms is not just about land—it’s about safeguarding a way of life, a heritage, and a future. Thanks to the leadership of our Board and the support of our community, Horse Farms Forever continues to grow stronger each season.

This fall, as the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we celebrate the progress made and the path ahead. To our Board of Directors: thank you for your vision, your stewardship, and your unwavering dedication to keeping Marion County the Horse Capital of the World™.

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

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think with Dr. Temple Grandin

by Horse Farms Forever | Aug 14, 2025 | Events, News, Uncategorized

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Horse Farms Forever® is honored to announce Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneering voice in animal science and autism advocacy as our Keynote Speaker. The Sixth Annual Conservation Summit will be held on Thursday, November 13 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena from 5PM to 7PM.

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think

This year’s Summit will highlight the deep-rooted bond between horses and humans. Temple will discuss how horses think and provide insights into animal behavior, through the lens of her own understanding and scientific research about autism.

Temple is a professor, best-selling author, and an international speaker. She is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and her research on animal behavior, livestock handling and autism has improved the lives of animals and people on a worldwide basis. The facilities she has designed for handling livestock are used by many companies around the world. She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. Temple has appeared on numerous TV shows such as 20/20 and Prime Time.

Her books include Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport, and The Autistic Brain. Her books Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in September 2017. In 2010, she was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 people who most affect the world.

She is perhaps best known for the award-winning HBO film Temple Grandin, which brought her groundbreaking innovations in the humane handling of livestock to a global audience and highlighted her remarkable life and achievements.

Protecting Our Horse Farms

This year’s Summit will focus on our core mission of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Marion County. Over the past seven years, we have highlighted the critical need to conserve our horse farms and agricultural lands, to not only protect the scenic beauty and natural resources, but to also help preserve land for the nearly 100,000 horses that call Marion County home.

The rolling hills and iconic horse farms draw residents and visitors from all over the world to experience the Horse Capital of the World®. Our goal is to raise awareness to ensure that this “sense of place” is protected for future generations.

LEARN MORE

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS SOLD OUT

Horse Farms Forever® is honored to announce Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneering voice in animal science and autism advocacy as our Keynote Speaker. The Sixth Annual Conservation Summit will be held on Thursday, November 13 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena from 5PM to 7PM.

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think

This year’s Summit will highlight the deep-rooted bond between horses and humans. Temple will discuss how horses think and provide insights into animal behavior, through the lens of her own understanding and scientific research about autism.

Temple is a professor, best-selling author, and an international speaker. She is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and her research on animal behavior, livestock handling and autism has improved the lives of animals and people on a worldwide basis. The facilities she has designed for handling livestock are used by many companies around the world. She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. Temple has appeared on numerous TV shows such as 20/20 and Prime Time.

Her books include Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport, and The Autistic Brain. Her books Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in September 2017. In 2010, she was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 people who most affect the world.

She is perhaps best known for the award-winning HBO film Temple Grandin, which brought her groundbreaking innovations in the humane handling of livestock to a global audience and highlighted her remarkable life and achievements.

Protecting Our Horse Farms

This year’s Summit will focus on our core mission of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Marion County. Over the past seven years, we have highlighted the critical need to conserve our horse farms and agricultural lands, to not only protect the scenic beauty and natural resources, but to also help preserve land for the nearly 100,000 horses that call Marion County home.

The rolling hills and iconic horse farms draw residents and visitors from all over the world to experience the Horse Capital of the World®. Our goal is to raise awareness to ensure that this “sense of place” is protected for future generations.

LEARN MORE

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS SOLD OUT

Spotlight on Stewardship: The Levine Family’s Quiet Commitment to Ocala’s Rural Heartland

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 28, 2025 | News, Uncategorized

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Horse Farms Forever is proud to welcome Philip and Carolina Levine as our newest Founders. Philip Levine, the former Mayor of Miami Beach and a successful cruise industry entrepreneur, has always believed in the power of thoughtful leadership and responsible development. But in recent years, that belief has taken root in a new way—on the open land and rolling pastures of Marion County.

Together with his wife, Carolina, Philip, they established PL Ranch in Ocala as a part-time retreat. What began as an escape from the bustle of city life quickly became something more: a deep connection to Florida’s heartland and a growing commitment to land preservation and rural values.

While their primary residence remains in South Florida, the Levines were drawn to Ocala by its natural beauty, welcoming sense of community, and the freedom that open space provides. They see the region not only as breathtaking, but as a rare and important part of Florida’s identity—one that’s worth protecting.

For Philip, who championed smart growth and sustainability during his time in public office, PL Ranch is a natural extension of his lifelong values. He and Carolina are passionate about supporting efforts that maintain Ocala’s rural character, scenic landscapes, and world-renowned equestrian heritage.

Though PL Ranch is a part-time home for now, the Levines often reflect on how quickly their bond with the region has deepened. As Philip often says, “One never knows when a part-time home becomes something more permanent.”

The Levine family’s presence in Marion County is quiet but purposeful. They are committed to being good neighbors, thoughtful landowners, and active stewards of the land they now proudly consider part of their family’s story.

We are honored to count them among our Founders and grateful for their commitment to safeguarding the future of Marion County’s farmland and equestrian culture.

Please join us in welcoming Philip and Carolina Levine to the Horse Farms Forever family.

View Their Founder Profile

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