NEW Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

by | May 19, 2025 | Informational, News

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.
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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Join Today!
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Founders Forward: Honoring Our March–May Founders

Founders Forward: Honoring Our March–May Founders

by | May 15, 2025 | News

As we ride into a new season of purpose and progress, Horse Farms Forever is proud to shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals and businesses who have chosen to lead the charge in conservation by becoming—or renewing as—Founders between March and May.

Founders are more than supporters. They are visionaries. They’ve made a deeper commitment to safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area and the rural character of Marion County for future generations.

Joining as a Founder is a powerful statement—one that says you believe in protecting what makes Marion County so special. Your elevated support helps fund critical initiatives, outreach, and advocacy efforts to ensure the open spaces and equestrian heritage of our region remain preserved and respected.

We’re especially grateful to those who have renewed their Founder Membership this spring. Your ongoing dedication sets an inspiring example and provides the long-term stability that allows our work to grow in both reach and impact.

We invite you to scroll through the names below and see the community of Founders that stand behind the mission of Horse Farms Forever. Each one plays a vital role in preserving the land, legacy, and lifestyle we all treasure.

Thank you for believing in the power of preservation—and for being at the forefront of the movement to keep Marion County’s horse country forever protected.

Charisse Rivers, founder and CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management, is a financial storyteller and retirement architect who blends heart, strategy, and purpose to help people design lives they love beyond the nine-to-five. Rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions, she leads a team that crafts customized, 360-degree retirement plans while sharing approachable advice and inspiring stories on her nationally syndicated show, Retirement Coffee Talk. Charisse also founded The Grilled Cheese Foundation, which empowers underserved children through access to music, sports, dance, and scholarships—honoring the kindness her own family once received and paying it forward to the next generation.
Learn More About Charisse
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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Located in The Equestrian Hotel at The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This world-class facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and we are very proud to be a founding partner. Our newest salon can be found in the lobby of the hotel overlooking the VIP Terrace and Grand Prix arena.
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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.

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Elma Garcia-Cannavino & Jim Cannavino

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Elisabeth Brinton & Bob Utley

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Paul & Ann Kaplan

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Nick & Jaqui de Meric

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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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Join Today!
View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth: May Membership Roundup

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth: May Membership Roundup

by | May 7, 2025 | News

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth

As spring transitions into summer, Horse Farms Forever is energized by the incredible momentum we’ve built together. From March 6th to April 30th, we welcomed a wave of new members and celebrated the continued support of loyal renewals—each a vital part of our shared mission to preserve the character, culture, and open spaces of Marion County’s iconic Farmland Preservation Area.

Your commitment to conservation inspires us every day. It’s because of your belief in our cause that we can continue advocating for responsible growth, protecting vital agricultural land, and ensuring our equestrian heritage remains intact for generations to come.

We’d also like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in our Farmland Preservation Month fundraiser this April. Every dollar you contributed was doubled, and every gift made a real impact. Together, we turned awareness into action and laid the groundwork for meaningful preservation projects in the year ahead.

To all our new members & friends—welcome! And to our renewing members & friends, thank you for continuing to stand with us. Your membership is more than just a name on a list—it’s a statement of values, a promise to protect the land that makes Marion County unique.

Look at the names below and get to know the businesses and individuals who share your dedication to keeping horse country, horse country.

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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5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

Welcome, Charisse Rivers: Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever

Welcome, Charisse Rivers: Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever

by | Apr 29, 2025 | News

Horse Farms Forever is proud to welcome Charisse Rivers as a Founder Member. As the founder and CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management, Charisse has redefined retirement planning—not as a rigid formula, but as a life-building experience. Her firm takes a comprehensive, personal approach to each client’s financial journey, crafting plans that reflect their values, dreams, and goals. Through her nationally syndicated radio show and podcast, Retirement Coffee Talk, she makes financial wellness approachable and empowering. With guests ranging from country music legend Jason Aldean to NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, she weaves inspiration into every episode.

Charisse’s dedication extends far beyond wealth management. She is also the Chair of the Ocala CEP’s Board, and the founder of The Grilled Cheese Foundation, a heartfelt initiative named in honor of the kindness her family once received. The Foundation funds music, dance, sports, and higher education programs for underserved youth, helping kids discover their passions and build the confidence to chase them.

Charisse embodies what it means to lead with faith, intention, and generosity—this same spirit brought her to Horse Farms Forever.

Why She Joined Horse Farms Forever

“I believe God expects us to be good stewards of the land, not just owners of it. I joined Horse Farms Forever because protecting our farms, our traditions, and our rural beauty is about honoring the past and preserving the heart of what makes this community so special.”

For Charisse, joining Horse Farms Forever is about more than preserving open space—it’s about maintaining identity. She sees horses and farms as vital to the spirit of Marion County: symbols of faith, family, and hard work that unite people and keep them grounded.

The Equine Industry’s Role

Zinnia Wealth Management serves many families whose lives are intricately tied to the equine world. Charisse herself is a horse owner and understands firsthand how deeply the industry shapes Marion County—economically and culturally.

“Our business serves families whose lives and livelihoods are deeply connected to the horse industry. It’s an honor to support the community that makes this place so extraordinary.”

What Makes Marion County Feel Like Home

For Charisse, Marion County offers more than scenic pastures and rolling trails—it’s a place of connection. From horse shows to golf outings to quiet moments outdoors, the region is a backdrop for her values: family, community, and gratitude.

“Whether it’s a horse show, a local event, golfing or just a quiet afternoon outdoors, it’s a place where my family feels at home—grounded by strong values, surrounded by good people.”

We’re honored to welcome Charisse to Horse Farms Forever. With her leadership, heart for community, and unwavering belief in the power of stewardship, she embodies everything our mission stands for.

Live by Design, Not by Default.

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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5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

by | Apr 22, 2025 | News

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.
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.

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.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

Signs of Change

Signs of Change

by | Apr 10, 2025 | News

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.

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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

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.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats