Sidelines Magazine Features HFF’s Busy Byerly
In the Sidelines article, you will learn more about our new Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires Byerly and why she is uniquely qualified to help Horse Farms Forever as we begin helping farm owners explore their options for conservation of their property. There are over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County. Preserving those farms not only ensures that the character and culture of this special place remains, it protects a thriving horse industry, which contributes over $2.6 billion to the economy and employs over 20,000. As we launch into this important phase of Horse Farms Forever’s history, we are thrilled to have Busy’s passion and expertise to bring to bear on this monumental challenge.
Behind the Gate: Team Cone
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.
Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area
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.
Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses
Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing businesses who have chosen to stand with us: Agricon, Cloverly Farm, Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm, Lane’s Mark Farm, Oakmont Rehabilitation & Wellness, Ocala Jockey Club, Photonic Health, and Michael J. Saxe.
Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!
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 County Commissioners say YES to the Farmland Preservation Area, and NO to the ATV Racetrack!
At their meeting on June 17th, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted as follows:
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.
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.
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.
Today is Hearing Day: Participation Options
The Marion County Board of Commissioners meets today 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.
Overwhelming Grassroots Support for the Farmland Preservation Area
The County Commissioners report receiving over 200 letters in opposition to the Double Gate ATV Park Land Use and Zoning changes, and Special Use Permit. Thank you for speaking out! As a supporter of the Farmland Preservation Area, you are in strong company. Take a look at some of these letters:
A Closer Look at Very Real Water Concerns in Flemington from Double Gate ATV Park
Yet there is no plan, no environmental study – nothing to assure the public that water concerns will be addressed. Here is what the Springs Institute said after they read the Application:
Residents, farm groups oppose ATV park in rural Flemington
The 240-acres project would include an ATV track, sales, service and an RV park located in the pastoral area designated as part of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. A proposal to build an all-terrain vehicle recreation and entertainment complex, with included track, sales, service and an RV park at Flemington, has many in the rural community up in arms.
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.
Join the herd. Every voice matters.
Be the first to know!
When the farmland watchdogs sound the alarm, you’ll hear first.