Not the Happiest Place on Earth
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.
