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.
Details of the GO-WEC Agreement
We are pleased to share the details of the changes to Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center’s Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. These were agreed upon in respectful discussions between Horse Farms Forever and the GO-WEC leadership. We enthusiastically endorse the new agreement and will say so at the Board of County Commissioners hearing on May 28:
Busy Byerly: Golden Ocala and World Equestrian Center Deserve Our Thanks
The community came together to join Horse Farms Forever protecting the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area. Now, now let’s stand together again with Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center at the May 28 Marion County Commission meeting and advocate for the approval of their amendment to the comprehensive plan. We thank them for listening to our concerns and agreeing to join us in safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area.
Ears Up! We’re Watching a New Development Threat
Yesterday, we were alerted to an application with Growth Services to amend the comprehensive plan to allow a Rural Activity Center (RAC) at the intersection of N Hwy 329 and W Hwy 318 – in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area. This property is owned by the Rudnianyns, the same proponents of the West Ocala Beltway. It is called Blitch Plantation. They are proposing an ATV racetrack with ancillary recreational uses, limited ATV sales and repair, and event venue. They are also proposing an RV park. The Planning hearing is June 1st and the Commission hearing is June 17th. We are in full alert status on this project and will be meeting with the applicants, their planner and the county staff. Stay tuned as we gather more information.
Thank You, GO-WEC!
Horse Farms Forever was able to reach an agreement with the leadership of the GO-WEC organization regarding our concerns and as a result of this agreement, we will be enthusiastically advocating for approval of the revised amendment. This agreement will preserve the Farmland Preservation Area boundary and permit only equestrian-related uses on the property located within it.
Nick de Meric Advocates Drawing A Line in the Sand
Manuden Farm, Eclipse Training Center and de Meric Stables and Sales strongly support Horse Farms Forever in its quest to preserve our precious farmland for generations to come. There is little doubt that unchecked development has been a hallmark in much of the state. Protecting the Farm Preservation Area from urban growth has become a line in the sand that should not be crossed, a sentiment that has garnered strong support from all factions of the local community. The future strength of our equine industries and the magnetic appeal of our beautiful farmland are dependent on the vision of our elected officials, and we applaud their efforts to defend one of north Florida’s greatest assets.
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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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