News
Land Development Regulation Commission Vacancy!
Do you have expertise in the areas of planning, real estate, land development, or agriculture? If...
Signs of Change
Who remembers the “Save It, Don’t Pave It” signs from 2017-18 that were all over Marion County when the Florida Department of Transportation was proposing a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area? Those signs did a lot to raise awareness and public input that organized citizens to stop the coastal connector and led to the birth of Horse Farms Forever.
Concerned About Growth? The EAR Needs to Hear From You.
The population is estimated to grow to nearly 500,000 residents by 2040. That’s an increase of about 150,000 new people living and working in Marion County.
You can help plan for this growth! Marion County is updating its policies in the Comprehensive Plan through the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The Comprehensive Plan is like a road map for the community and it will guide where and how Marion County grows over the next 20 years.
Planning for the next 20 years is important and your feedback on how best to manage growth and guide the community’s vision for the future will help keep Marion County an amazing place to live!
Summer Membership Roundup
It’s Summer, and our grass roots are growing deep and strong. We are carried forward by the longstanding commitments of our Board and members – both organizations and individuals. See who has renewed their commitments this quarter, and allow us to introduce you to our newest herd mates.
Horse Farms Forever® Celebrates Six Years
Horse Farms Forever was founded six years ago to unify the community to help stop the proposed toll road, and while the toll road was stopped, the development pressure has only increased. For a traditional 6th anniversary gift, iron is given to symbolize strength. Over the past six years, the commitment to our mission has become even stronger due to the tremendous community support to protect Marion County’s iconic landscapes.
Applications Withdrawn for 500-Vehicle Storage Lot Abutting the Greenway
At the May 21 Marion County Commission zoning hearing, the applications to change the Future Land Use and Zoning and a request for a Special Use Permit to allow for storage of 500 vehicles on 15 acres directly north of the Cross Florida Greenway were withdrawn by the applicant, 1415 Brothers Holdings, LLC.
Greenway Trojan Horse – Updated
Tillman and Associates should have played Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi while they rode their Trojan Horse into the Planning and Zoning meeting this week. Not only are they applying to pave 15-acres of paradise with a 500-vehicle parking lot, but it turns out that companies apparently affiliated with On Top of the World have recently bought two adjacent parcels: the 122-acre pasture across the street and the 12-acre horse farm next door to this subject parcel.
Cowboys, Cattle and Conservation
Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida cattleman Jim Strickland spoke to a packed house at Horse Farms Forever’s Spring Speaker Series Event held at Golden Ocala on April 24. Photos by Sean Dowie Photography
Spring Membership Roundup
Spring showers bring new members!New members are popping up all over the place this Spring. As a...
Spring Founder Spotlight
The community, like a herd of horses, has come together to show their support, and the herd keeps...
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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When the farmland watchdogs sound the alarm, you'll hear first.