Truth Over Distraction in Flemington ATV Matter
Perhaps you’ve heard the term red herring? Its origin is from the training of hunting dogs, where a bait fish is used to distract the dogs and send them in a different direction. A red herring is a distracting, usually emotional argument thrown out during a discourse that sends the listener down a rabbit hole, blurring the facts and obscuring the truth. We’ve got one in this Double Gate ATV matter. We’re calling it out.
Where to ATV in Ocala? Not In My…
Does the opposition to Double Gate ATV Park really come down to a whole lot of residents who are saying Not In My Backyard to a wholesome, family activity? If you believe this, you are missing the point. What hundreds of people are saying, with one voice, is this: Not in my Farmland Preservation Area.
Soil and Water Experts Say NO to Double Gate ATV Park Location
Neighbors to the proposed Double Gate ATV Park continue to write the County Commissioners with clear opposition and good evidence to support their contention that the Flemington location is not suitable for this use. Here is a letter from Rick Robbins, a nearby resident and former Soil and Water Conservation District employee.
ATV Engine Noise – The Science of Sound
“Loud ATV exhaust noise has become an issue both medically and environmentally. The threshold of permanent hearing damage, as set by the OSHA, is 85 dB. A gas-powered lawn mower produces 85 dB. The snowmobile industry cannot, under U.S. law, exceed 78 dBs at full throttle, and since 1979 motorcycle manufacturers must stay between 78 and 84 dB. However, most ATVs are between 85 and 100 dBs, which has led to concerns by both riders and non-riders about excessive noise.” – How to Quiet ATV Exhaust Noise (A Practical Guide) from bettersoundproofing.com
Planning and Zoning Commission Denies Double Gate ATV Special Use Permit
Thank you to everyone who showed up at last night’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The room was past capacity with a rotating line of speakers waiting patiently outside to be heard. Busy Shires Byerly, our Director of Conservation Strategies, spoke for Horse Farms Forever. Here are her comments.
Flemington and Surrounding Communities Pull Together to Oppose ATV Park
The Zoning Hearing is TONIGHT, June 1st, 5:30pm. Here’s the agenda.
In just two weeks, Horse Farms Forever has compiled groundswell of letters and comments from Flemington area residents opposing the Double Gate ATV Park. We will be bringing these before the County in tonight’s non-binding Zoning Hearing.
Here is our letter requesting that the Zoning Commission DENY the project.
Now it’s your turn. Zoning and Planning MUST hear from the community.
Double Gate ATV Park Neighbor Sweet Dixie South Urges Denial of Special Use Permit
Sweet Dixie South is a 160 acre “Jumper and Three Day Event” training farm located less than 1000 feet to the west of the proposed facility. We are very concerned about the volume of the noise and odors from exhaust created by this park. The proposed activities may be very disruptive to ourselves and other adjoining training facilities for the continuance of our established equine disciplines.
Ocala Horse Parade 2020
Check out this bright and inspiring video of the Ocala Horse Parade, 2020. Brought to you by Horse Farms Forever, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, and Strategic Drone Services. Enjoy!
Ocala Jockey Club of Reddick Requests Denial of Double Gate ATV Park
The proposed ATV track would be just 0.75 miles from our farm. The resulting noise and
traffic due to visitors would be detrimental to horse farm activities and interfere with the quiet intention of the Farmland Preservation Area and its horses, human residents and abundant wildlife.
Flemington: Are You Ready For This?
Blitch Plantation, LTD and International Property Services, the owners of about 240 acres located at the intersection of Hwy 329 and Hwy 318 in the quiet town of Flemington, FL, are proposing an ATV racetrack, ATV trails, motorcycle/ATV sales and repair facility, 40 RV parking spaces, offices, and the ability to hold other events such as weddings and paintball games. The establishment will be called Double Gate ATV Park. It is located within Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. A Land Use Change Amendment (2020-L05) and Special Use Permit Application are before the County and will be heard by the Commissioners June 17th at 2pm.
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