Big Budget of $554 Million for Transportation Improvements

Big Budget of $554 Million for Transportation Improvements

by | Sep 26, 2025 | News, Roadway Threats

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
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Four NEW Advisory Board Vacancies

Four NEW Advisory Board Vacancies

by | Sep 25, 2025 | News

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.

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

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

by | Sep 12, 2025 | News

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

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

by | Aug 14, 2025 | Events, News, Uncategorized

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.

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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

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

by | Jul 28, 2025 | News, Uncategorized

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.
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Not the Happiest Place on Earth

Not the Happiest Place on Earth

by | Jul 16, 2025 | News, Ongoing

Ocala/Marion County is world-renowned for its equine heritage. From Pony Club kids to Kentucky Derby winners, horses and riders come here to train, compete, and thrive in the Horse Capital of the World®.

But that global reputation—and the rural character that sustains it—is under threat.

A proposed 236-acre sports and entertainment complex would bring intense commercial development to horse farms and quiet rural neighborhoods adjacent to the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA).

This proposal risks far more than scenic views. It endangers our community’s identity, the private property rights of nearby landowners, and the livelihoods of those who have invested in preserving and living within the FPA

For some neighbors, Ocala would become anything but “the happiest place on earth.”

Greg and Donna Wheeler, owners of Bridle Oaks Farm, relocated from South Florida to Ocala in 2003 to escape the sprawl and overdevelopment they saw consume their former community.

“We absolutely embraced Ocala’s old Florida culture, grace, and charm,” said Greg. “We’ve seen what happens when unfettered development starts to grab ahold. First an area loses its heart, and then its soul slowly turns off like a light. When a community loses its soul, it’s gone forever, never to return.”

“We see what’s happening—and we’re living it again,” he added. “We’re worried about what’s happening to the soul of our home… again.”

Patrick Kuebler, a lifelong Ocala resident and member of one of the area’s pioneer families, owns 150 acres next to the proposed complex.

“The Commissioners say they support the Farmland Preservation Area, but they’re changing it—taking all of it away,” said Patrick. “So what’s the purpose of having a Farmland Preservation Area if you aren’t going to preserve the land?”

“I grew up here. It’s getting to the point where you can’t go anywhere—it’s just gridlock. And with all these new developments, it’s only going to get worse. Our infrastructure can’t handle it.”

What Are the Core Issues?

  • Wrong Location: This isn’t about the value of youth sports—it’s about placing intense commercial development in the wrong location, directly next to our world-renowned Farmland Preservation Area.
  • No Horses: This is not an equestrian project. It brings no benefit to the local equine industry and instead threatens to displace it.

What’s at Stake?

  • Urban Sprawl: This type of development pressures nearby landowners to sell their land for commercial uses, fueling a domino effect that chips away at the FPA and encourages urban sprawl.
  • The roadways are already overburdened. According to a preliminary staff report, seven roadway segments along SR 40 already exceed—or nearly exceed—their traffic capacity.
  • Concerts, stadium lighting, and commercial activity would replace the quiet, rural lifestyle with constant disruption.

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗕𝗢𝗖𝗖 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀

After 𝟲.𝟱 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝟱-𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 to the state for review.

Stay tuned for future updates.⁣

Why It Matters

Preserving the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area means preserving the identity of Marion County. Responsible growth is possible—but only if we stay committed to thoughtful planning that protects the land, lifestyle, and legacy that define this unique region.

Victory for the Farmland Preservation Area: BOCC Unanimously Denies RAC Expansion

At the July 15th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, we’re proud to report a major win for the Farmland Preservation Area. In a unanimous vote, the Commissioners denied Thomas Moore’s proposal to expand the Rural Activity Center (RAC) on a 20-acre parcel adjacent to Gilbert’s Hardware—land located deep within the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

This proposed “Piggyback RAC” would have opened the door to over 35 commercial uses, including fuel stations, storage facilities, and large-scale buildings totaling more than 350,000 square feet. It was a clear threat to the rural character and conservation purpose of the Farmland Preservation Area.

By rejecting this proposal, the Commissioners reinforced their commitment to protecting Marion County’s rural landscape and set a strong precedent against sprawl in inappropriate areas.

This is a significant victory for Horse Farms Forever and everyone who values the unique sense of place our farmland provides. Thank you to all who stood with us, showed up, and spoke out. Your support continues to make a difference.

Hearing on Thomas Moore’s application on July 15th, 2025.

Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation, spoke at the County Commission meeting in opposition to the application to rezone the 20-acre parcel in the FPA.

List of concerns from growth presented at hearing.

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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