Why the Sport Horse Community is Investing in Marion County
The Farmland Preservation Area at the heart of Ocala creates the certainty that this environment will always remain at the core of the horse industry of Marion County. It is the reason that horse owners and equine business efforts are willing to invest in owning, developing and operating horse related activities in this very region. Without it, Ocala becomes one more stopping point in the never-ending journey of horse shows and horse activities. This is not the fabric that Ocala represented to us when we first moved and invested in our community.
Glen Hill Farm Calls on Elected Officials to Stand Firm on Farmland Preservation
Thank you, Glen Hill Farm, for pointing out how inextricably linked are the Marion County economy and the existence of horse farms. One third of our economy is equine. We join Glen Hill Farm in calling on our elected officials to do the right thing for the land and future generations.
Steinbrenner Family & Kinsman Farm Support Collaborative Effort to Protect Open Space
While we understand that there is a need for capital investments and improved infrastructure for the equine
industry to grow, we must simultaneously work together to protect the Farmland Preservation Area. Horse
Farms Forever was created for just that purpose which is why we wholeheartedly support Horse Farms
Forever in their continued efforts to protect the Farmland Preservation Area.
Bridlewood Farm Supports Vigorous Protection of the Farmland Preservation Area
We fully concur that WEC and the Farmland Preservation Area can and should co-exist to the benefit of all. Thank you, Bridlewood Farm and the Malone family for your continued support of Horse Farms Forever’s mission to preserve the farmland that makes Marion County unique and irreplaceable.
Golden Eggs
We respectfully urge the Roberts organization to withdraw Areas 1 and 8 from the Amendment. These areas can still be developed with appropriate limitations through other options in the planning process. Right now, they are a distraction that galvanizes community opposition. Withdrawal would help to unify the equestrian community’s support and excitement for the tremendous contribution of vision and insight that the Roberts organization brings to Ocala/Marion County.
From the Star Banner: Planning and Zoning Board Advises Reining in Sprawling World Equestrian Center
Developers of the massive World Equestrian Center want to make it even bigger by adding another 1,000-plus acres to the already approved 3,200-acre footprint of the project in northwest Marion County.
Live Oak Stud Urges the County To Stand By the Farmland Preservation Area
In her letter to the Marion County Commissioners, Live Oak Stud owner Charlotte Weber to advocate for protection of the Farmland Preservation Area.
County Zoning Commissioners Hear the Public But Vote in Favor of GO-WEC
At last evenings Marion County Zoning and Planning Commission meeting, Horse Farms Forever’s Busy Shires-Byerly presented our clear position opposing Golden Ocala/World Equestrian Center’s plans specific to Area 1 and Area 8 on their plan map. In these two areas, they are asking the County to remove 118 acres of land from the Farmland Protection Area and to rezone 157 acres as “WEC Rural” which will allow up to 50% commercial development.
Ocala/Marion County CEP Goes on Record Supporting Farmland Preservation Area
A robust and protected Farmland Preservation Area is good business. We thank the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership for standing with us. The Farmland Preservation Area should be etched in stone, not subject to every stroke of a developer’s pencil and eraser. Once it’s erased, it can never be replaced.
Horse Farms Forever to Speak at Zoning and Planning Meeting…and how you can, too
Today’s Zoning and Planning meeting at 5:30pm is the first of two public hearings where the community can voice their concerns about the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian development plans. Horse Farms Forever’s Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires Byerly, will be speaking on behalf of our members. Here is a transcript of her remarks:
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.