Behind the Gate: Team Cone

by | Jul 1, 2020 | News, Uncategorized, Videos

Our First Non-Equine Founder Explains Why Supporting HFF is Good Business

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.

In this edition of Behind the Gate, Horse Capital TV visits with president/CEO Doug Cone, who makes a convincing case for Horse Farms Forever’s role in managing growth and protecting Marion County’s global brand.

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.

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Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area

Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area

by | Jun 25, 2020 | News

Horse Farms Forever is grateful to announce tremendous growth at the grassroots level. This is solid evidence of a growing movement to protect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) of Marion County.

We were born in 2018 to fight the State’s plans to build a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area. A small group of farms, businesses and individuals came together with the County, and successfully convinced the State to respect our iconic farmland. In two short years, Horse Farms Forever (HFF) has become a lightning rod, attracting and gathering the voices in Marion County who care about protecting the character and culture created by horses and horse farms. HFF is now an effective 501c3 nonprofit organization with a clear mission to:

  • Protect the Farmland Preservation Area,
  • Promote the equestrian culture and character of Marion County,
  • Preserve farmland for future generations, and
  • Plan collaboratively with government and community stakeholders to ensure that open spaces and beautiful places remain forever.

Since our inception, we have steadily added members, both Individual and Corporate. This growth enables us to support part-time staff who work hard to fulfill the mission. It has also fuels our Threat Reserve Fund – this critical resource enables us to quickly ramp up our activity when our watchdog efforts uncover a new development or roadway threat to the FPA.

If you have been following us lately, you have seen us tackle two such threats in rapid succession. As we have raised awareness in the community, new friends and supporters have emerged and joined us. Our new members are individuals and businesses who share a deep regard for farmland and want play a part in keeping our area healthy, beautiful and worthy of being called the Horse Capital of the World®. It is not necessary to be in the horse business or to even own a horse to appreciate how horses and horse farms create a special sense of place that is worth preserving. We want to represent everyone who cares about the Farmland Preservation Area and protecting it for future generations. Thank you, new and renewing members, for your support. We are stronger together.

Growth in 2020 has been over 100%.

More blueberry pie, please! The dark blue are new members.

This shows the diversity of donation levels in our membership. Evidence of community support for the FPA!

Why Join?

Nobody can answer this question better than some of our newest members and supporters:

"Thank you so much for being there to support our farmland. It takes a lot of dedication and resources to do what you do. I am proud to be a member."

Sandra Vann

"So glad to see HFF continue to increase in numbers! As we’ve just witnessed, HFF is the best defense against the constant threat to the Farmland Preservation Area and our peaceful way of life. I do think “Border Collies” is a fitting description…….all paws on board…..keep those wolves out!"

Peter Fleming

"Hooray! Horse Farms Forever is a great organization, able to rally its members and the community effectively. You made it so easy to understand the issues and to contact the Commissioners. Great job."

John Toenjes

"Congratulations. You all are doing a fantastic job staying ahead of and on top of all the threats against our farm preservation areas. Thank you for watching out for the future of farm lands. God bless you."

Erna Jean Miller

"As a Real Estate Broker living in the Ocala area for over 30 years and dealing almost exclusively in Equine properties, I must agree strongly with those interested in preserving the FPA and the ambiance connected with the horses and farms that ARE Ocala. Many changes have occurred here over the years, and the majority of those changes are not in favor of keeping Ocala peaceful and beautiful."

Patricia Hawkesworth

"Thank you for keeping me in the loop of everything. I don’t have a horse farm but we live very close to all of you and I love our surroundings and we are so very lucky to see your beautiful horse farms and cattle farms. I truly love living here and it would truly be awful for this expansion to happen in our community. I love the quiet and beauty of this land. Thank you for all that you do."

Sunni Ziroff

"So glad to see a proactive group addressing this. Farmland lost is farmland lost forever. We watched development in Virginia and the way it ruined the countryside before preservation groups realized the consequences. By that time it was too little too late in many instances especially northern Virginia."

Pug & Susie Hart

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
Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses

by | Jun 24, 2020 | News

Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing businesses who have chosen to stand with us.

Agricon Equipment Kubota Superstore

Leader

The one and only Kubota superstore! If you are looking for innovative, quality-driven agriculture or construction equipment PLUS an exceptional sales experience- look no further!

Cloverly Farm

Charter

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.

Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm

Patron

Home to World Champions and Grand National Champion Paso Fino Horses offering training, boarding, sales, and breeding. Located in beautiful NW Ocala, Fox Hill encompasses 70 beautiful acres in the heart of horse country.

Gilligan, Gooding, Franjola & Batsel, P.A.

Partner

Honest, Diligent & Effective Legal Representation. Serving Central Florida since 1991.

 

Lane’s Mark Farm

Charter

Lanes Mark Farm specializes in sales prep, layups, and care for both Thoroughbred and Sport Horses. This spectacular facility offers rehabilitation and conditioning programs and modalities including an above ground Aqua Treadmill.

​

Oakmont Rehabilitation Center

Partner

Premier equine rehabilitation and wellness facility located in Ocala, FL. Offering state-of-the-art in-house and portable services to meet the needs of equine athletes across all disciplines. Working directly with veterinarians and trainers to create customizable programs that are personalized to the needs of the individual horse.

Ocala Jockey Club

Leader

950-acre unspoiled equine paradise. The OJC is a Thoroughbred horse training and layup facility featuring 7 barns, pastures, and a 5/8-mile training track. Host of OJC CCI3* 3-day event venue. The unique 9,700 sq ft Ocala Jockey Club restaurant perched on one of the highest points in the County with a view of the farm and training track serves as a perfect setting for weddings, clinics, corporate meetings and retreats, family reunions and holiday parties.

Photonic Health

Partner

Providing simple, safe, effective healing solutions to pet owners so they can experience the joy and love that a pet brings, instead of the frustration and fear that occurs when your pet is sick. Specializing in equine, canine, and feline acupressure, equine touch, photonic light therapy, and spiritual response technique.

​

Michael J. Saxe

Partner

Answering the call of the community for 32 years, Michael J. Saxe is a candidate for District 1 County Commission in Marion County, FL. A retired NYPD Detective (32 years), Former NY Volunteer Fire Fighter, Michael served in his capacity during the 9/11 crisis. He arranged the ringing of the opening bell of the NASDAQ and participated in the closing bell of the NY Stock Exchange.

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 Director of Community Affairs,
Sara Fennessy 

Join Now
Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

by | Jun 22, 2020 | Events, News

Tap It to Win bred by Live Oak Plantation and trained by Casse Racing. Photo Ryan Thompson.

Upside Down Crown.

With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes moved to Sept. 5 and Oct. 3, the Belmont took an unusual position as the first jewel in the Triple Crown this year. Last Saturday’s race, held at New York’s Belmont Park, was shortened to 1-1/8 miles and run with limited audience attendance.

The 6-5 favorite, Tiz The Law, won by over 3 lengths. The New York bred was started in Ocala at New Episode Training Center by Tony Everard.

The second place finisher, Dr. Post, was purchased by Ocala’s Crupi’s New Castle Farm as a yearling for $400,000. He is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Tap It to Win started well, led early, and ultimately finished fifth. He is bred by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation – born and raised in Ocala. His trainer, Mark Casse, won last year’s Belmont with Sir Winston. He is based in Ocala. A member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Casse was named for induction into the American National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year. He joins Lucien Laurin and Roger Attfield as the only trainers in both racing shrines.

Finishing sixth, Sole Volante was sold at the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales April 2-year-old auction. He has earned nearly $300,000.

The ninth place finisher was Fore Left, who went through the 2019 OBS March sale but did not sell. He was consigned by Ocala’s Wavertree Stables. The son of Unbridle’s Song has more than $355,000 in earnings.

Look for more Florida-breds in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

July 14-16 is the date for the next Ocala Breeder’s Sales July 2 Year Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale.

The racing season has officially begun. Don’t miss the sale!

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
The County Commissioners say YES to the Farmland Preservation Area, and NO to the ATV Racetrack!

The County Commissioners say YES to the Farmland Preservation Area, and NO to the ATV Racetrack!

by | Jun 18, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News

Proposal is Denied on All Three Counts

At their meeting on June 17th, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted as follows:

  1. To deny Comprehensive Plan Amendment 20-L05 submitted by Blitch Plantation, LTD to amend the future land use designation from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center for 18.2 acres.
  2. To deny Application 200507Z to rezone 18.2 acres from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center; but to approve the rezoning for 5 acres within that parcel with land use already designated as Rural Activity Center. This means that the 5 acres with the future land use designation of Rural Activity Center now has the zoning to match, and development that is allowed within a Rural Activity Center can now take place there.
  3. To deny Application 200508SU to permit ATV racetrack with ancillary recreational uses, limited ATV sales and repair, RV Park, and event venue requested as a Special Use Permit in RAC and A-1 Zoning Districts.
Thank the County Commissioners

What Does This Mean? 

It means that the developer, Blitch Plantation, and the applicant, Double Gate, did not convince the Commissioners that these three applications were in the best interest of the community, compatible with the other uses in the area, or consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Blitch Plantation will have to find another use for the 235-acre property, and Double Gate will have to find another location for their ATV racetrack. There will be a 5-acre portion of the property that will receive the zoning for Rural Activity Center, consistent with other properties on that corner. Any use consistent with Rural Activity Center zoning, such as a general store, gas station, or grocery, will be allowed on that 5-acre parcel.

While we are grateful for this action by the County Commission, we are especially thankful for their professional conduct during the meeting. The Commissioners patiently and intently listened to each and every public comment for over 3 hours. We thank them for listening, for reading hundreds of letters, for maintaining order and offering gracious respect to everyone who spoke. Because of their commitment to civil public discourse, the consensus of the community was allowed to emerge.

Thank you, Commissioners, for keeping the discussion civil and fair, and for respecting all who asked to be heard.

 

Civil Discourse

Everyone who spoke, no matter what your view, thank you. You were brilliant. Each of you had a perspective to share, and you expressed it so well. There were so many intelligent, well-thought out, and articulate views expressed in that four-hour meeting. While the public comments were overwhelmingly in opposition to the proposals, the voices of those in favor of the proposals were equally important to be heard.

Double Gate ATV proponents, thank you for your clear intentions to do something good and safe for ATV enthusiasts in the area, and for wanting to provide a service to the community. We wish you success as you adapt your business plan to another location and to the desires of the community so clearly expressed in the hearing. 

You Are The Forever

Finally, we express deep, deep gratitude to our members and supporters. It took considerable resources and effort to get the word out and gather the voices of the community. You were there, writing letters, making phone calls, cheering us on, helping and giving every step of the way. You are the FOREVER in Horse Farms Forever. You are the reason that the next generation will inherit the open spaces and beautiful places that create the character and culture that make Marion County the Horse Capital of the World.

One thing was abundantly clear from the testimony – the Farmland Preservation Area is well worth protecting – it is the essence of what makes Marion County unique and special. It was a beautiful thing to listen to so many supporters convey what the Farmland Preservation Area means to them.

The farmland preservation movement in Marion County is alive and well.

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
Today is Hearing Day: Participation Options

Today is Hearing Day: Participation Options

by | Jun 17, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News

The Marion County Board of Commissioners meets today, June 17th at 2pm at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, to consider adoption of the Blitch Plantation (Rudianyn) proposal for Double Gate ATV Park and Recreation. Here is the agenda and full application.

How to Attend and Comment

 

 

Attend in Person:

The County will have social distancing practices in place. It would be wise to bring a face mask and expect seating to be limited and spaced out in the auditorium. There will be provision for those who are waiting to come in to watch the meeting outside on screen. As comments are made, speakers will be asked to leave the auditorium so that others wishing to speak can come in.

 

When public comment is opened, walk to the front of the auditorium and stand at either speaker’s lectern to be recognized by the board. The lecterns will be sanitized in between speakers. Give your name and address and indicate who you represent. If you are distributing additional back-up material, please provide the county administrator with 10 copies prior to the beginning of the commission meeting. You will have exactly 2 minutes to speak. Be prepared – you will not be given extra time unless the Board asks you a question. Make sure what you have to say adds a new perspective or new information to the Hearing – if you wish to echo another’s comments, simply say “I agree with…” and move on to something non-repetitive.

Watch the Meeting Online:

Go to this page. Today’s meeting is the first one on the list. You will see the Agenda link in blue. About 5 minutes before the meeting, a second link will appear next to the Agenda. Click that link to join the live stream video of the meeting via WebEx with your computer or mobile device.

This page provides further instructions on how to operate the live stream controls. If you wish to speak, you can use the raise hand icon in the participants panel on your screen and the moderator will call on you during the public comment period. When you speak, be sure to turn the volume down on your video player so that we can hear you free of feedback. Connectivity-related questions? Contact the IT Helpdesk, 352-671-8801.

Call In to Listen and Comment:

The number is 352-671-8808. If you wish to speak, press *9. The moderator will see your request and connect you when it is your turn. Please call from a quiet location and do not use speakerphone.

Public comment-related questions? Dawn Phelps, dawn.phelps@marioncountyfl.org, 352-438-2327.

Further assistance? Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids, and services county government meetings may notify the human resources director: Amanda Tart, amanda.tart@marioncountyfl.org, 352-438-2345.

 

It's Not About ATVs. It's About Location.

We at Horse Farms Forever like ATVs. Many of us own and enjoy them. We support family-oriented outdoor recreation, just like the Double Gate ATV Park applicants. Our concern continues to be about the location of the subject property:

  • in the Farmland Preservation Area;
  • in a flood zone and spring protection area;
  • in a peaceful residential area where noise will be a factor.

Our message continues to be the same as our mission:

We ask that the Farmland Preservation Area be respected and protected. Once it's erased, it can't be replaced.