News Archives - Page 20 of 34 - Horse Farms Forever

Welcome New Partners and Friends

by Horse Farms Forever | Aug 9, 2021 | News

The environment where we work and live is important. Our local businesses, whether they serve the equine industry or not, know that the unique character of Ocala/Marion County expressed in its farmland and open space makes it an appealing place to be. Without it, we are just another Florida boom town. We welcome several new Corporate Members this month, and heartily thank those who have renewed their memberships..

Charter – NEW

Chase Bank serves nearly half of U.S. households with a broad range of products. Chase online lets you manage your Chase accounts, view statements, monitor activity, pay bills or transfer funds securely from one central place. To learn more, visit the Banking Education Center.

de Meric Thoroughbred Sales

Founder – RENEWING

de Meric Stables, which also owns and manages adjoining Eclipse Training Center, is set on 240 acres of lush, rolling land in the heart of Florida’s celebrated horse country in Marion county. Rich in both the mineral concentrations in its soil and water and in its traditional role as one of the great Thoroughbred nurseries of the world, this area has produced some of North America’s greatest racehorses. In addition, Eclipse is an accredited training center and offers documented workouts for publication in trade press.

The Equine Chronicle

Founder – RENEWING

The Equine Chronicle is sent out free of charge to every AQHA, APHA, ApHC, NSBA and NRHA judge. It is also distributed FREE of charge at most AQHA, APHA and ApHC horse shows nationwide by over 150 distributors. And with a circulation of over 60,000 copies reaching that count, it’s no wonder The Equine Chronicle is…THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!

Live Oak International

Founder – RENEWING

Entering its 30th year, Live Oak International is the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the country, and each year welcomes some of the leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America. Don’t miss all the action and celebration on March 3-6, 2022.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Quail Roost Foundation

Patron – NEW

Quail Roost Foundation makes national and international grants in the areas of: All Creatures (Animal Welfare), Education, Emergency Relief, Health, Home Community (Taos County, NM and surrounding areas), Justice, and Sustainability.

Equus Inn

Leader – NEW

Looking for an Ocala hotel that meets your expectations will no longer be a challenge. The remodeled Equus Inn in Ocala, Florida, is the only Equine Themed, Vintage Boutique Hotel. We’ve reimagined Equus’ 152 rooms to encompass rich equine history, lasting comfort, and modern conveniences.

Mid Florida Heating & Air

Leader – NEW

You’re in Luck with the Big Orange Truck! Florida’s Leading Heating & Air Company Since 1983.

Next Level Farm

Partner – NEW

Next Level Farm is the premiere equestrian center located in Ocala, Florida. Next Level Farm is adjacent to the HITS showground and offers 78 acres of premium pastures, facilities and privacy in the heart of the equestrian world.

Showcase Properties of Central Florida

Charter – RENEWING

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, farm, or land, Showcase Properties has the resources you need. They are committed to offering extensive real estate listings for every lifestyle, including luxury homes, country club living, equestrian, waterfront, farms, and more. Their comprehensive services include listing your property, marketing, staging your home for maximum curb appeal, pricing your property to sell, and guiding you from the contract stage through closing.

The Wood Stove and Fireplace Center

Partner – NEW

The Wood Stove, Inc. has been dedicated to providing Florida with alternative heating products which combine efficiency, beauty and practicality for over 44 years. We stock many unique hearth and home-related products chosen for quality and style, for both indoor and outdoor.

Learn More

New to the Herd

We welcome you!

Merry Bain – Friend
Daniel Campos – Friend
Joyce Hart – Friend
Kathryn Koch – Friend
Wendy Lader – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

MEMBERS MAP

ALL THE LOGOS

Corporate Members Gallery

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond. Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events. To learn more or to join please contact our Executive Director,
Sara Fennessy

Join Now

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members’ interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County. Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join or Donate Now

Road Widening Public Hearing Stresses the Need for Public Input

by Busy Shires | Jul 15, 2021 | News, Roadway Threats

Final Comments Due August 2nd

Over 200 people attended the workshops on July 14 and 15 about the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue road-widening project. Marion County’s Deputy County Engineer, Donald Atwell and representatives from Guerra Development Corporation presented several options for the proposed improvements, which include expanding the current roadway to a four-lane road with bike lanes, pedestrian walks, and a grass median.

Wednesday’s meeting focused on the road improvements that are south of SR 40. Thursday’s meeting focused on the road improvements north of SR 40.

Deputy County Engineer Atwell emphasized the importance of submitting formally written comments so that suggested changes could be considered for the road’s design. “This is the time to make a comment, whether you like the project or not,” said Deputy County Engineer Atwell. The deadline for comments is August 2nd and they must be submitted on the Comment Form and sent via email, or mail to the address on the Comment Form.

Paul Wildman, P.E., for Guerra Development Corporation, made the presentation about the road improvements. The road improvements start at SW 90th Street and end about .5 mile north of US 27 on CR 225A. The total length is about 10.5 miles. It will be expanded to a 120’ divided four-lane roadway with options for pedestrian use paths. Alternative A is the recommended design. The road improvements are funded by the Penny Sales Tax funds that are administered by Marion County.

With the opening of the World Equestrian Center, and several existing and planned large residential developments, the road improvements are needed. Traffic is projected to increase to 37,500 trips per day. The additional capacity will help maintain the level of service and increase the safety of the road for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

A new road is also planned to connect CR 225A to the new interchange being built by the Florida Department of Transportation at NW 49th Street.

Three Sections

The road project will be divided into three sections, but only two of the three sections are funded.

Segment 1: From SW 90th to just north of Westport High School is funded and construction is expected to start within the next three years.
Segment 2: Just north of Westport High School to south of SR 40, but this section is not funded and funding is not anticipated for at least 5 years.
Segment 3: Just north of SR 40 to US 27 is funded and construction will start within the next three to five years.
In addition, two new intersection improvements at SR 40 and US 27 are funded. The intersection at SR 40 is likely to go to construction this year. The intersection at US 27 will go to construction any day now.

Questions From the Floor

After the presentation several residents asked questions, which are summarized below:

QUESTION: Why not use 60th, which is already a four lane road?

ANSWER: Both roads are needed. The traffic study looked out 20 years at a 2045 horizon and determined that the road will have to be four-laned. All of the new the development is occurring on NW/SW 80th Avenue and if the road is left as a two-lane road, the level of service will go down significantly. There is a lot of active development along the corridor – Stone Creek, Bay Laurel, Calesa, World Equestrian Center, and On Top of the World.

The SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue is a corridor and this is part of the long-range transportation plan. Marion County will need to have more than 60th Avenue as a four-lane road. There will be additional projects around this to accommodate the traffic. It’s better to build the project before it’s too late. It’s far better to do it now.

QUESTION: What will be done to address the noise and safety?

ANSWER: Noise barriers are not standard for this type of road, but Guerra will submit this question to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. This would be a change in policy. There are valid concerns about the intersection at SW 38th Street. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone has requested that this intersection be evaluated to address the safety and access issues.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Can you combine Alternative A and Alternative B and make the road oscillate more instead of just one Alternative?
Could you remove one of the 14’ multi use paths and only have one 14’ multi use path on one side of the road? This will decrease the total width of the road.

Dig Deeper:

County Commission Presentation

Visual Concept Video

This is the time to make a comment, whether you like the project or not.

Donald Atwell

Deputy County Engineer, Marion County

Fill Out The Comment Form

Please submit comments or questions by August 2. It’s easy! Just fill out the Comment Form online, save it as a PDF, and email it to: GDCPER@guerracorp.net

You can either email it to the address above or mail the printed form it to: Paul Wildman, P.E., Guerra Development Corp. 2817 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470.

After these two meetings, another workshop will be scheduled with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

Comment Form

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!

Join or Donate Now

Public Input Requested on the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue Road Widening

by Busy Shires | Jul 13, 2021 | News, Roadway Threats

The public is invited to provide input on the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue road widening project at two meetings hosted by Guerra Development Corporation.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Westport High School Auditorium. Horse Farms Forever staff will attend and report on the outcomes.

Engineers from Guerra Development Corporation will present information about the road widening project in two separate meetings. The first meeting on July 14 will focus on the road improvements located south of SR 40. The second meeting on July 15 will be focused on the section of the road north of SR 40.

The proposed improvements include expanding the current roadway to a four-lane road with bike lanes, pedestrian walks, and a grass median.

The goal of the meetings is to obtain public feedback about the improvements. After the presentation, there will be a breakout question and answer session. Written comments are preferred, and comment forms will be provided at the meeting.

Fill Out The Comment Form

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can fill out the Comment Form online and email it to: GDCPER@guerracorp.net

Fill out the Comment Form online, save it as a PDF, and then email it to the address above or mail the printed form it to: Paul Wildman, P.E., Guerra Development Corp. 2817 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470)

After these two meetings, another workshop will be scheduled with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

Comment Form

Directions to Meeting at Westport High School

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!

Join or Donate Now

The Marion County Quality of Life Survey

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 13, 2021 | News

What will Marion County look like in the future?

How can we grow gracefully?

What will it take to retain the character and culture of this special place?

We are asking those who live, work and play here to weigh in.

Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Together with the Ocala Metro CEP, College of Central Florida, Florida Thoroughbred Owner’s and Breeder’s Association, Ocala Horse Properties, and Hotel Development and Management Group, we are sponsoring a comprehensive Quality of Life Survey in Marion County. This Survey is being conducted by The Matrix Group – an independent insights and consulting firm.

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to grow by about 150,000 new residents. By taking a step back to assess our strengths and weaknesses, this survey is an opportunity to work together to strengthen the community and economy. It will also serve as a model for how public, private and non-profit organizations can work together toward building a better future here in Marion County.

You may receive an invitation to participate in the Survey by mail. The Matrix Group is mailing the survey to 15,000 households randomly-selected to accurately represent all of the County’s regions. If you do receive the Survey, we urge you to follow the directions to complete it.

We look forward to sharing the results this Fall at our Conservation Summit

Gratitude to each of our generous sponsors for partnering with us in this important endeavor.

Conservation Summit 2021

Save the Date!

Tuesday, November 23

from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Lunch will be served at 11:00 AM

Live Stream from 12:30 to 2:30 PM

New Location:

Ocala Breeder’s Sales Co.

Learn More

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!

Join or Donate Now

Businesses Invest in Ocala’s Quality of Life

by Horse Farms Forever | Jun 10, 2021 | News

The environment where we work and live is important. Our local businesses, whether they serve the equine industry or not, know that the unique character of Ocala/Marion County expressed in its farmland and open space makes it an appealing place to be. Without it, we are just another Florida boom town. We welcome several new Corporate Members this month, and heartily thank those who have renewed their memberships, many jumping up a level or two. Yes, we have work to do, but we are getting it done together as a strong voice for farmland preservation.

Cloverly Farm – the Stroh Family

Founder – RENEWING

Owned and operated by the Stroh family, Cloverly Farm is a state-of-the-art hunter jumper show stable located in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area. Thank you, Vivian Day and John Stroh, for expressing your alignment with our mission by stepping up to the Founder level.

Cone Distributing

Founder – RENEWING

When you crack open a cold one at your 4th of July barbeque, offer a toast to Cone Distributing. They employ 320 in Ocala and serve 22 counties in Florida with a vast array of beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Why does a beverage distributor support Horse Farms Forever? Find out here.

Advent Health Ocala

Charter – NEW

The Advent Health Network’s principles for caring for the whole person started more than 150 years ago. They continue to help the people in their care create a life of whole health by healing their bodies, strengthening their minds and lifting their spirits. Today, AdventHealth is one of the largest health care providers in the United States, with thousands of compassionate professionals working to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ around the country.

Lugano Diamonds Ocala

Charter – NEW

Lugano Diamonds is proud to be recognized as a leader in the community. They believe they must be stewards of giving while encouraging others to give back. Lugano Diamonds’ newest salon can be found in the lobby of the Equestrian Hotel at The World Equestrian Center overlooking the VIP Terrace and Grand Prix arena.

Horses Daily

Patron – RENEWING

For people with a passion for horses, Horses Daily provides a unique service archiving and reporting equestrian news for multiple disciplines, as well as health and wellness advice, tips on training, business management, and promotion of the equestrian industry. Located right here in Marion County, Horses Daily, and its owner, Mary Phelps, have proudly leveled-up to Patron.

Berrettini Feed Specialists

Patron – NEW

We welcome Berrettini – a well-known feed and supply provider here in Marion County. Established in 1974, Berrettini earns customer loyalty and confidence by providing quality large and small animal feed and supplies coupled with knowledgeable customer service.

Florida Horse Park

Patron – RENEWING

The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is a 500-acre, multipurpose facility and one of Central Florida’s premiere venues for equine, agricultural, educational, and sporting events. We are proud to support the Horse Park and champion their mission. This year, they have chosen to increase their commitment from Partner to Patron level. We are so thankful for their unwavering support for our mission.

Covert Appraisal Services

Partner – NEW

Covert Appraisal Inc is a full service commercial real estate appraisal firm with offices in Gainesville and Ocala. With over twenty-six years of real estate experience and with completed assignments in the range of several hundreds, Covert Appraisal Services Inc, has the expertise and resources necessary for a quality product delivered efficiently to its clients.

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