Horse Farms Forever Neutral on Proposed Alternative Routes for the Northern Turnpike Extension
The proposed alternatives routes for the Northern Turnpike Extension avoid the Farmland Preservation Area and other major Marion County horse farms. Thus, at this time Horse Farms Forever takes a neutral position on the proposed alternatives to the northern extension of the turnpike.
In our watchdog role, HFF will continue to closely monitor the situation to assure there are no detrimental impacts to the Farmland Preservation Area. In addition, we will be attending the two upcoming public meetings.
Golden Ocala Equestrian Land Proposals
Horse Farms Forever, Inc. has been in negotiations since late last year with the Golden Ocala Equestrian Land organization (GOEL) regarding their proposal for the Ocala Jockey Club. In September, we reached a multi-layered agreement with GOEL for them to replace the B-2 zoning on two very high-profile properties, the 256-acre Crupi parcel and the 247-acre Plumley parcel, with A-1 zoning and to develop these properties into farms of 10-acres or larger. In return, Horse Farms Forever agreed to support the GOEL proposal to develop the 1,000+ acre Ocala Jockey Club complex into less than 100 farm parcels of 3-acres or more, thus reserving over 70% of the remaining acreage for equestrian activities including polo, eventing, driving, rodeo, and other equine activities. The development of this property would include a hotel and RV park within the complex which will significantly reduce the in/out traffic.
Marion County Votes for Farmland
As the year turns over, Horse Farms Forever celebrates the growth of our membership at the grass roots. Although 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, the economy in Ocala/Marion County remained strong. Threats to the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area did not abate, and there’s no sign that they will in the future. More and more farm owners, concerned citizens and businesses have joined us, publicly aligning with our mission to preserve the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County and protect the Farmland Preservation Area. Here are the latest:
Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever
Horse Farms Forever was invited to present at Marion County’s Growth and Future Planning Strategic Committee meeting on December 10th. The Committee is seeking input from stakeholders about growth and development as the county develops a five-year strategic plan. It is led by Angel Roussel, Assistant County Administrator of Public Works, and includes staff from Growth Services, Community Services and Utilities. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, who represents the Farmland Preservation Area, is also a member.
Sara Powell-Fennessy Promoted As Horse Farms Forever’s Executive Director
The Board of Directors of Horse Farms Forever is excited to announce the promotion of Sara Powell Fennessy to Executive Director of the organization, effective January 1, 2021. Horse Farms Forever, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as a 501(c)3 with the IRS.
Our mission is to inspire the conservation of horse farms by preserving the natural pasture land for horses and their habitats, and to protect the soil and water on which they depend, while minimizing land use conflicts in Ocala/Marion County, Florida.
New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever
Like one of Marion County’s beautiful live oaks, we are growing broader as an organization even as our roots stretch deep. A dedicated group of supporters continue keep us alive and healthy as our mission gains momentum in the community. Thank you to all who have recognized the importance of open spaces and beautiful places in Ocala/Marion County and the importance of preserving what makes us unique – horses and horse farms.
Welcome New Corporate Member, Tillman Engineering
As we inspire Marion County to uphold and protect its global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®, it is gratifying to see the wide range of members who are joining us. Everyone has a stake in keeping Ocala/Marion County open and beautiful, including our development and real estate companies. We’re going to grow. The question is where, when and how. One new member who is an expert in sensible growth planning and natural resource protection is Tillman and Associates Engineering. Tillman sponsored and attended our Conservation Summit last week. We are grateful for their support and the expertise that president David Tillman brings to the table. As experts in civil engineering who also recognize the importance of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County, Tillman is an important ally and resource.
Conservation Summit 2020
Horses and the love for the scenic beauty of Marion County brought a diverse group of large and small landowners, developers, realtors and elected officials – over 100 people – to Horse Farms Forever’s first Conservation Summit on November 19 at Golden Ocala.
The purpose of the Summit was to inspire preservation of the horse farms and agricultural lands that are fundamental to Marion County’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®.
Our speakers discussed practical ways to preserve farmland that benefit landowners and also made several suggestions on how to balance economic development and growth while retaining the sense of place that the iconic horse farms and agricultural lands bring to the area.
Public Hearing Notice: I75 Interchange at NW 49th Street
On Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, a public hearing will take place. The public is invited. We will be there as FDOT shares the results of their study. The public is invited to comment on the “the location, conceptual design, and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.” We intend to suggest some improvements that would make the interchange a fitting gateway for the Horse Capital of the World® and the Farmland Preservation Area. It is our intention always to work collaboratively and affect positive change where necessary to protect Marion County’s global brand. Instructions for participation in person and virtually are in the hearing notice below:
A Barrier-Breaking Honor for an American Trakehner Breeder
Congratulations to Horse Farms Forever members, Tim and Cheryl Holekamp, on winning global honors from the German Trakehner Verband as Breeder of the Year, 2019. This is the first time an American breeder has garnered this recognition.
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