Protecting What Matters, Together

Protecting What Matters, Together

by | Oct 6, 2026 | Events, News

Thank You to Our 2026 Conservation Summit Title & Presenting Sponsors: Brook Ledge Horse Transportation & AdventHealth Ocala

Every year, the Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit brings our community together around one important question: How do we protect the places that make Marion County worth calling home?

This year, that conversation reaches beyond the fence lines of our horse farms.

The 2026 Conservation Summit, The Great Florida Cattle Drive: Lessons for Protecting Farms, Ranches, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor, will explore the connection between Florida’s working lands, its wildlife, its agricultural heritage, and the future of conservation across our state.

Conversations like these are possible because of organizations willing to invest in them year after year.

For 2026, we are proud to once again welcome Brook Ledge Horse Transportation as our Title Sponsor for the seventh consecutive year, and AdventHealth Ocala as our Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year.

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Brook Ledge Horse Transportation: Seven Years of Support

For seven years, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation has stood behind the Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit.

That kind of continued support means a great deal to our organization.

Brook Ledge has long been part of the equestrian community, and its ongoing commitment to the Summit reflects a shared belief in protecting the land, farms, and rural character that make Marion County such an important place for horses and the people who care for them.

Their support helps make it possible for Horse Farms Forever to bring together landowners, agricultural leaders, conservationists, business owners, elected officials, and community members for meaningful conversations about the future of our region.

We are incredibly grateful to Brook Ledge for once again leading the way as our Title Sponsor.

AdventHealth Ocala: Three Years of Partnership

We are equally grateful to welcome AdventHealth Ocala back as our Presenting Sponsor for the third year.

A strong community depends on more than what we build. It also depends on what we choose to preserve.

AdventHealth Ocala’s continued partnership reflects an understanding that healthy communities are connected to the places where people live, work, gather, and grow. Here in Marion County, that includes the open spaces, farms, ranches, and natural resources that shape our quality of life.

Their support helps strengthen the Conservation Summit and the larger conversation surrounding thoughtful growth, land conservation, and the future of our community.

Working Lands Are Worth Protecting

This year’s Great Florida Cattle Drive theme is a powerful reminder that Florida’s farms and ranches are much more than beautiful landscapes.

They are working lands.

They support livelihoods. They provide habitat. They preserve connections between natural areas. They carry forward generations of agricultural tradition. And here in Marion County, they are inseparable from the identity of the Horse Capital of the World®.

Protecting them takes foresight.

It takes collaboration.

And it takes partners willing to stand behind that work year after year.

To Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and AdventHealth Ocala, thank you for your continued commitment to Horse Farms Forever and for helping make the 2026 Conservation Summit possible.

And to all of our sponsors, members, partners, and supporters, thank you for continuing to believe that our open spaces and beautiful places are worth protecting.

We look forward to gathering with you on November 12, 2026, at Circle Square Commons for another important Conversation About Conservation.

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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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New Roads and the I-75 Connector Road: How Will This Impact the Farmland Preservation Area? Part 1 of 2

New Roads and the I-75 Connector Road: How Will This Impact the Farmland Preservation Area? Part 1 of 2

by | Aug 24, 2026 | News, Roadway Threats

On August 4, Marion County awarded a $22.9 million contract to Art Walker Construction to widen and improve approximately 3.3 miles of NW 70th/80th Avenue (Segment 3) from just north of SR 40 to just south of US 27.

But the road corridor does not stop there, as the Segment 3 project is part of the 10.5-mile SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue widening project extending from SW 90th Street to about 1/2 mile north of US 27. The overall project is projected to take approximately 10 years to complete.

The road corridor is planned to extend even further to a 13.6-mile corridor that combines the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue improvements with a new road that connects CR 225A to the new I-75 interchange at NW 49th Street.

Together, these projects will create an additional north-south and east-west route connecting northwest Marion County with I-75.

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Check out the aerial view and graphic representation of the planned four-laning of SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue from SW 90th Street to just north of US Hwy 27.

Construction on Segment 3 is expected to start in 45 days and will be completed in about a year and a half. The bid award of $22.9 Million for the 3.3-mile segment was estimated to cost $6.9 Million a mile.

“That is a very, very good bid and I’ve even had some other agencies reach out to me congratulating us on the low bid that we received,” said Steven Cohoon, County Engineer. “That’s $3.6 Million below the next lowest bid.”

How will these roads impact the Farmland Preservation Area and CR 225A?

  • New Road Connecting CR 225A to NW 49th Street I-75 Interchange
  • CR 225A to be Widened up to about NW 44th Lane

These new and improved roads are not inside the Farmland Preservation Area. However, CR 225A will be widened to four lanes with a terminus near NW 44th Lane, approximately one mile south of the Farmland Preservation Area boundary, which begins just north of NW 62nd Place at Ocala Park Estates.

This raises an important concern – even though the four-lane road project does not currently enter the Farmland Preservation Area – CR 225A is lined with horse farms and agricultural properties between the proposed terminus and the Farmland Preservation Area.

  • For Horse Farms Forever, the key concern is the long-term impact of increased development pressure along the rural edge of the Farmland Preservation Area.
  • Another concern is what happens when NW/SW 70/80th Avenue – a two-lane rural road becomes a four-lane divided highway and major arterial carrying substantially more traffic. What impact would that have on the horse farms along the road?

​150% Traffic Increase

According to the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) prepared by Guerra Development Corporation, the daily traffic for the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue project is projected to increase from 14,600 to 37,500 vehicles—an increase of approximately 150%. 

The SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue project is a 10.5-mile, three-phase project expected to be completed over approximately 10 years, according to the PER.

The larger 13.6-mile road corridor includes a new roadway connecting to the planned I-75 interchange at NW 49th Street and NW 44th Avenue, extending the overall corridor to approximately 13.6 miles. The project is being completed in phases, and Marion County has not established a single completion date for the entire corridor. Individual sections are moving into construction, while other segments remain in design and right-of-way acquisition.

The Office of the County Engineer provided a list of all the projects that make up the future widening loop connecting I-75 (diamond interchange), the new NW 49th Street Road, the NW/SW 70th/80th Avenue Corridor, and SW 38th Street.

SW 80th Ave Segment 1

From SW 90th Street to 0.5 miles north of SW 38th St

Phase 1A is currently in construction. Phase 1B is expected to begin in September/October 2026. Construction is expected to be completed by 3rd-4th quarter of 2028.

 

SW 80th Ave Segment 2

From 0.5 miles north of SW 38th St to W Hwy 40

Project is currently in design with construction planned to begin in the 4th quarter of 2027.

 

SW 80th Ave Segment 3

From W Hwy 40 to N US Hwy 27

Project is currently in pre-construction with an expected start of September/October 2026. Construction is expected to be completed in the 2nd/3rd quarter of 2028.

SW 38th /40th Street

From SW 80th Ave to SW 43rd Ct.

Project is currently in final design. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Construction is expected to be completed in the 2nd/3rd quarter of 2028.

 

NW 49th/35th Street Phase 3

From NW HWY 225A to NW 44th Ave (where the FDOT diamond interchange will connect).

Project is currently in final design. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

 

NW 49th/35th Street Phase 3 Roundabout

The county is evaluating a design alternative for a roundabout at NW Highway 225A and NW 49th Street/NW 44th Lane. Right-of-way acquisition continues for the new four-lane road from County Road 225A to NW 44th Avenue.

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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The Steady Hands Behind the Mission: Honoring Our Board of Directors

The Steady Hands Behind the Mission: Honoring Our Board of Directors

by | Aug 12, 2026 | News

Protecting horse country takes vigilance. It takes courage. It takes a willingness to look beyond today and make decisions with future generations in mind.

And behind the work of Horse Farms Forever® is a group of leaders who understand exactly what is at stake.

Our Board of Directors brings together decades of experience in agriculture, equestrian sport, business, finance, real estate and land stewardship. Each comes to the table with a different perspective, but they are united by one shared commitment: protecting the land, lifestyle and equestrian heritage that make Marion County unlike anywhere else.

As Horse Farms Forever marks eight years of advocacy, education and conservation, we are proud to recognize the Board members whose leadership continues to help guide our mission forward.

​Leadership Rooted in Horse Country


Horse Farms Forever was created because this community recognized that the qualities that make Marion County special cannot be taken for granted.

Growth is inevitable. Losing the farms, open spaces and rural character that define the Horse Capital of the World® does not have to be.

Our Board helps ensure that Horse Farms Forever remains focused, informed and ready to act—whether we are monitoring development proposals, advocating for responsible land-use decisions, educating the community, supporting conservation opportunities or planning for the future of the Farmland Preservation Area.

We are grateful for the knowledge, perspective and dedication each member brings to that responsibility.

Linda Bamman

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.

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Robert Desino

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.

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Robert Desino

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.

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Elma Garcia

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.

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Tom Grabe

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
Tom Grabe

Paul Kaplan

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

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Tom Grabe

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.

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Bernie Little

Bernard Little

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

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Bernie Little

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.

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​Eight Years of Standing Watch

In eight years, Horse Farms Forever has grown from a response to an immediate threat into a trusted advocate for Marion County’s horse farms and farmland.

The challenges have evolved, and the stakes continue to grow.

Development applications must be carefully monitored. Land-use decisions require research and expertise. Conservation opportunities must be expanded. Community awareness must continue to grow. And as Marion County moves forward, someone must consistently ask an important question:

How do we grow without losing what makes this place worth protecting?

Our Board helps keep that question at the center of everything we do.

Their leadership supports the work that happens every day—often long before the public sees it. It is the thoughtful discussion, careful review, strategic planning and willingness to stand firm when horse country is threatened that allows Horse Farms Forever to continue serving as a watchdog and advocate for this community.

Looking Toward the Future

There is much ahead.

As we prepare for the 2026 Conservation Summit and continue our work to Protect, Promote, Preserve and Plan, we are reminded that lasting conservation is never the work of one person. It requires people willing to lead, people willing to participate and a community willing to protect something greater than itself.

To our Board of Directors: thank you.

Thank you for the hours you give, the expertise you share, the difficult questions you ask and the responsibility you carry.

Most of all, thank you for believing that the future of Marion County’s horse farms is worth fighting for.

Because of your leadership—and the continued support of this community—Horse Farms Forever will keep standing watch, protecting the land beneath our horses’ feet and working to ensure that horse country remains horse country 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.
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Welcoming GoldMark Farm as a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever

Welcoming GoldMark Farm as a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever

by | Jul 28, 2026 | News

Protecting Horse Country takes more than advocacy, it takes leaders who are willing to invest in its future. Horse Farms Forever is proud to welcome GoldMark Farm as our newest Founding Member.

Situated on 1,600 acres in the heart of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area, GoldMark Farm embodies the land, heritage, and equestrian excellence that have made Ocala the Horse Capital of the World. Their commitment to preserving open space while continually investing in world-class equestrian facilities aligns perfectly with the mission of Horse Farms Forever.

View Founder Bio

A Shared Commitment to Horse Country

Since 2006, GoldMark Farm has grown into one of Ocala’s premier equestrian destinations, serving both the Thoroughbred and sport horse communities with exceptional training, rehabilitation, and horse care.

As the farm continues to expand, it is also helping strengthen Ocala’s international reputation through thoughtfully developed facilities that include:

  • World-class Thoroughbred training facilities
  • Two new sport horse arenas
  • A regulation-sized dressage arena with 72 feet of mirrors
  • State-of-the-art rehabilitation and conditioning amenities
  • Spacious turnout and horse-centered management
  • The historic Triple Crown Museum

Every investment reflects a long-term commitment, not only to horses, but to preserving the landscape that makes all of this possible.

Learn More About GoldMark Farm

Building on a Vision of Excellence

Founded in 2006 by T. Paul Bulmahn, GoldMark Farm was created from a lifelong passion for horses and a vision of developing one of the country’s premier equestrian facilities.

Paul believed exceptional horse care and elite performance should go hand in hand. His thoughtful approach to the land, the horses, and the people who care for them continues to shape GoldMark Farm today. Following his passing, that vision lives on through the continued growth of the farm and its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Investing in the Future of Horse Country

Over the years, GoldMark Farm has evolved into a premier destination for both the Thoroughbred and sport horse communities.

Recent investments include two exceptional sport horse arenas, highlighted by a regulation-sized dressage arena with 72 feet of mirrors, along with state-of-the-art rehabilitation and conditioning amenities, Equivibe therapy systems, a training pool, expansive turnout, and meticulously maintained grounds.

The farm is also home to the Triple Crown Museum, helping preserve and celebrate Ocala’s rich racing heritage while embracing the future of equestrian sport.

Every investment reflects a commitment not only to horses, but to protecting the land that makes Marion County’s equestrian industry possible.

Partners in Preservation

Horse Farms Forever works to protect the farms, open spaces, and agricultural character that define Marion County.

By becoming a Founding Member, GoldMark Farm is helping ensure those landscapes remain protected for generations to come. Their support strengthens advocacy efforts, conservation initiatives, and educational programs that preserve the unique character of Horse Country while supporting the equine industry that depends on it.

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Thank You, GoldMark Farm

Horse Farms Forever is honored to welcome GoldMark Farm as a Founding Member and grateful for their investment in the future of Marion County.

Thank you for carrying forward T. Paul Bulmahn’s vision and for standing with us to protect the farms, open spaces, and equestrian traditions that make Horse Country unlike anywhere else in the world.

Get in touch with GoldMark:

Janelle Bulmahn
Cell: 352-895-5554
Office: 352-369-3377
Email: Info@GoldMarkFarm.com
Website: GoldMarkFarm.com

 

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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View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

BREAKING NEWS: Charlotte Weber Files Second Complaint Seeking Permanent Injunction

BREAKING NEWS: Charlotte Weber Files Second Complaint Seeking Permanent Injunction

by | Jul 24, 2026 | News, Watching

 Charlotte Weber has filed a second complaint challenging the Major Site Plan that was approved at the June 22 Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting. The complaint also challenges the building permits that have been issued and seeks a permanent injunction to stop construction.

The complaint was filed on July 22, 2026 and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against Marion County and Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC. The lawsuit also petitions the court for a writ of certiorari to quash the County’s Major Site Plan that was approved in June for the WEC Polo Field and Facilities.  A jury trial was also “demanded on all issues so triable,” according to the complaint.

There are three main counts in the complaint that address the Major Site Plan and building permits, which were approved even though the legal challenges to the 2026 Pending Approvals are ongoing. The first complaint was filed by Ms. Weber on April 17, 2026. The second complaint seeks a permanent injunction to stop construction. (Read the April complaint.)

In June, Golden Ocala submitted a Major Site Plan to the DRC titled the WEC Polo Field and Facilities. According to the complaint, “it was all a sham.”

“The Major Site Plan and Building Permits align with the sports facilities complex that was the subject of the 2026 Pending Approvals. Golden Ocala intends to proceed with its site construction under the guise that it is the “Polo Field” per the 2020 PUD Rezoning, with plans to quickly pivot and finish off the soccer fields if it is successful on the legal challenges to the 2026 Pending Approvals (which, with appeals, may be several years),” the complaint states.

In fact, as the complaint states, “the electrical lighting permits authorize banks of lights and seating where the separations are between the southern three soccer fields, which would be in the middle of the alleged “Polo Field.” That would certainly be an interesting wrinkle in the sport of polo.”

If this is truly a polo field, why are there banks of lights and seating between what appears to be soccer fields on the site plan? And where are the barns for the horses and the parking for the horse trailers?

Horse Farms Forever is looking forward to reading the answers to these questions in the depositions.

The complaint asks the court to address several items including:

  • Issue a permanent injunction preventing Golden Ocala from developing or constructing the Sports/Entertainment Property in accordance with the Major Site Plan approval and Building Permits, as they violate County zoning regulations.
  • Declare that the Major Site Plan approval and Building Permits are in violation of the 2020 PUD Rezoning.
  • If applicable, issue a Writ of Certiorari, to quash the Major Site Plan approval
  • Award costs and attorneys’ fees, plus interest.
View Part 1 of the Complaint
View Part 2 of the Complaint

Horse Farms Forever is working hard to keep our members up to date about the proposed WEC Sports Complex and other potential threats to the Farmland Preservation Area. Your support makes all the difference!

Please Join Us Today!
View our latest coverage of the WEC Sports Complex

Celebrating 8 Years: Protecting More Than Land, Preserving a Legacy

Celebrating 8 Years: Protecting More Than Land, Preserving a Legacy

by | Jun 30, 2026 | News

Protecting More Than Land, Preserving a Legacy

Horse Farms Forever® is the trusted watchdog protecting Marion County’s horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area. For eight years, we have been standing watch.

Eight years ago, when a proposed toll road threatened to cut through the heart of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area, the community united with determination and purpose, and — together, we stopped the Coastal Connector.

Today, Horse Farms Forever® remains steadfast and vigilant as the pressures threatening our horse farms and farmland continue to intensify. Protecting the landscape that defines Marion County isn’t a one-time effort—it requires constant vigilance, informed leadership, and a community committed to preserving what makes this place extraordinary.

Every proposed development matters. That’s why we carefully monitor development applications, with particular attention to those affecting the Farmland Preservation Area. Our team invests hundreds of hours reviewing proposals, analyzing potential impacts, and identifying threats before they become irreversible.

When our Horse Farms Forever watchdogs spot a concern, we don’t wait—we act. You can count on us to investigate, engage, advocate, and stand up for the farms, open spaces, and rural character that make Marion County unlike anywhere else.

We Can Only Continue this Work with YOUR Support! Join Today!

As we celebrate eight years of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area, we want to thank you. Your membership, generosity, and unwavering support have made every victory possible. Because you chose to stand with us, we’ve been able to safeguard the character, beauty, and future of this special place.

But our work is far from over.

Your donation today will ensure Horse Farms Forever® remains vigilant and ready to respond—protecting the Farmland Preservation Area for generations to come.

Thank you for standing watch with us for the past eight years. We are honored to have you by our side.

Eight Years of Action

Stopped the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road from cutting through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

Strengthened protections for the Farmland Preservation Area by helping amend the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to better define rural character and compatible land uses.

Successfully opposed incompatible development proposals, including an ATV park and drag strip that threatened Horse Country.

Stopped illegal waivers granted by the Development Review Committee for Major Site Plans to allow building permits to move forward.

Championed Conservation Easements and innovative land protection tools, including improvements to the Transfer of Development Rights program.

Annual Conservation Summit: Educated and inspired thousands through Conversations About Conservation, the annual Conservation Summit, and through community outreach, and advocacy.

2021 Quality-of-Life Survey: Demonstrated overwhelming public support for farmland preservation by leading a Quality-of-Life Survey showing more than 90% of residents support protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.

Seat at the Table: Earned a respected seat at the table, becoming a trusted partner with local governments, planners, and community stakeholders in shaping Marion County’s future.

For eight years, supporters like you have made every victory possible.

Help protect the next eight years by becoming a member, renewing your support, or making a tax-deductible donation.

Your generosity fuels the advocacy, research, and leadership needed to protect Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area.

Stand watch with us. Join, renew, or donate today.

Support Our Mission - Join 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.

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View Current Threats