Businesses Invest in Ocala’s Quality of Life
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.
Update on the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue Road Widening
The road improvement project is 10.5 miles long and extends from just north of SR 200 to about one quarter to one half-mile north of US 27. Due to the existing businesses, houses, and Westport High School, the width and design of the road will be modified to accommodate the existing uses. Most of the road widening will occur on the west side of the existing road. At the widest point, the road and multiuse paths will be 120’. The multiuse paths vary from 10’ to 14’ wide and they also include a designated bike path. Other potential sections of the road will be 100’ with a 5’ sidewalk and 4’ bike lane next to the 12’ travel lane for cars. The designs presented were preliminary design of the road will be approved after further input is received.
A Growing Concern
Those who love our open spaces and beautiful places can no longer ignore the growth coming to Ocala/Marion County. We are so thankful for our members, new and renewing, who enable us to keep inspiring CONVERSATIONS about CONSERVATION of our precious farmland. Together, we can turn our concerns into smart planning for a future that both grows our economy and protects our horse farms.
UPDATE: Five Major Road Widening and Intersection Improvements
One of the largest road projects is a new interchange on the east side of I-75 at NW 49th St/NW 35th St. This new interchange will travel over I-75 to connect into the existing road at NW 49th St./NW 44th Ave. on the west side. A new intersection will also be built at NW 49th St./NW 44th Ave. From this new intersection, a new two-lane road will be built to connect to CR 225A north of the intersection at US 27.
Marion County Should Protect A Unique Resource: Its Horse Farms
Along with the growth of the horse industry, Marion County was one of only six counties in the nation that had positive job growth during the pandemic. Projects are underway to add 5 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space over the next few years. And where there are jobs, there must be housing to support the growing workforce. Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to reach about 500,000 residents. That’s an increase of 150,000 residents.
Farmland Is Good For The Bottom Line
Cost of Community Services studies conducted over the last 30 years show working lands generate more public revenues than they receive back in public services. Their impact on community coffers is similar to that of other commercial and industrial land uses. On average, because residential land uses do not cover their costs, they must be subsidized by other community land uses. Converting agricultural land to residential land use should not be seen as a way to balance local budgets.
A Season of Promise
Spring is the season of promise. Meet the new and renewing members who have recently aligned with our mission to preserve and protect Marion County’s precious farmland: Richard Helms, College of Central Florida, HDG Hotel Development and Management Group, Naples Luxury Homes, Phys Assist and many more!
A Bright Future For Horse Farms
So many of Marion County’s iconic local businesses have chosen to align with our mission of farmland preservation, year after year. We recognize together that a bright future for horse farms is a bright future for us all.
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.
Help Protect Our Farms - Join Today!
Together, we can help preserve the character and culture that horses, horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area make unique to Marion County.
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When the farmland watchdogs sound the alarm, you’ll hear first.