Farmland Preservation Month Quality of Life Survey Highlights Importance of Farmland Preservation

Farmland Preservation Month Quality of Life Survey Highlights Importance of Farmland Preservation

by | Apr 13, 2022 | News

As published in the Ocala Star Banner on April 16, 2022:

April is Farmland Preservation Month in Marion County. In honor of this important designation by the Marion County Commission, Horse Farms Forever is pleased to present the results of the recently conducted Quality of Life Survey  in Marion County.

The Survey results concluded that residents feel strongly about protecting Marion County’s rural charm and beauty by preserving farmland and natural resources. Population growth, new development, roads, access to emergency services, and countywide internet service were also key issues of concern. The Survey was organized by Horse Farms Forever and supported by five sponsors including the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP), College of Central Florida, Ocala Horse Properties, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), and the Hotel Design Group. The Matrix Group, an independent research firm, conducted the Survey in July 2021.

A representative sampling was mailed to approximately 15,000 residents and over 1,200 households responded. The demographics covered a broad spectrum of zip codes, education levels, and age groups. Nearly 60 percent were urban residents and about half were female.

“This is a great time to understand the community’s perspective to learn how best to plan and manage growth for the benefit of all in the near and distant future,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate VP of Career and Professional Programs at the College of Central Florida about the Survey questionnaire.

The questions for the Survey covered a broad range of topics including growth, economic development, education, traffic, housing, tourism, and farmland preservation. Even with the broad range of Survey questions, it may come as no surprise that residents ranked the preservation of land and natural resources as the most important issue facing Marion County. The second most important issue was transportation and traffic, third was population growth, fourth was housing availability and affordability, fifth was economic development, sixth was employment opportunities. Other issues included education, internet access, and homelessness.

Over 90% of the respondents agreed with the statement:

Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area is home to some of the richest soils and pristine fresh water aquifers in the world and that it is critical to maintain its resources to ensure that the community’s legacy as the Horse Capital of the World® remain for future generations.

In addition, 86% of respondents also supported comprehensive planning at the county level that both protects agricultural lands and enhances urban areas. The Survey is an important step in defining the issues facing Marion County.

Kevin Sheilley

“We can speculate as to what people think. We can talk to our friends and acquaintances, but we likely will only hear what we already know, so it can risk becoming an echo chamber,” said Ocala Metro CEP President Kevin Sheilley about the Survey questionnaire. “A survey gives a chance to get input and feedback from a broad spectrum of our community.”

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is predicted to increase by 150,000 new residents to reach over 500,000 people, according to the US Census Bureau. This rapid growth has brought the topic of the preservation of land and natural resources to the forefront.

Matt Varney

“Ocala is incredibly unique in that it is growing on two different tracks. On one hand, we are adding diverse industry, housing and jobs – classic urban growth. But also, we have one of the largest regional farmland preservation areas in the country and a thriving equine industry dependent on those farms,” said Matt Varney, Broker with Ocala Horse Properties about the Survey questionnaire. “The survey will show the importance of both of these growth directions, and inspire our leaders to plan accordingly.”

The objective of the Survey was to gather information about how residents feel about their overall quality of life and vision for the community’s future. The results also have the potential to guide planning and policy decisions at the county level. Together with our partners and stakeholders, Horse Farms Forever® hopes to inspire positive and lasting change in terms of farmland preservation to help protect the open spaces and beautiful places that make Marion County so special. 

The mission of Horse Farms Forever is to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts in Marion County, Florida. Horse Farms Forever is located in Ocala, FL. www.horsefarmsforever.com

The Quality of Life Survey was conducted by The Matrix Group, an independent insights and consulting firm based in Lexington, Kentucky. The QOL Survey was mailed to 15,000 households, which is considered a representative sampling of the estimated 135,000 households in Marion County. 

Busy Shires

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

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Conversations About Conservation Summit 2021

Conversations About Conservation Summit 2021

by | Dec 16, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Photo by Russell Crowder.

Conversations About Conservation 2021 Summit Was A Tremendous Success.

Thanks to everyone who made the time, during Thanksgiving week, to attend the second annual Conservation Summit at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company on November 23rd.

Over 400 people attended the event in person and online and the event was supported by over 40 sponsors! Our diverse sponsors ranged from the equine industry to health care and to the construction and development industry. This tremendous level of support is a testament of how important this Conversation about Conservation is for the future of Marion County. The purpose of the Summit was to inspire a community wide Conversation about how to preserve the horse farms and agricultural lands that are fundamental to Marion County’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®.

We were so honored to have Dr. John C. Malone, CEO of Liberty Media, as our Keynote Speaker, who shared his passion about land conservation and sustainable forestry and cattle ranching practices. “I’ve always been a conservationist from a sustainability point of view,” he said.

Thank you to George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, for the heartfelt introduction of Dr. Malone.

Thank you to Kevin T. Sheilley, President & CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP) for your candid presentation about Marion County’s booming economy and how to balance growth with preserving open space and farms. You did a great job presenting the Quality of Life Survey results in an engaging manner. (P.S. We knew the answer to the question about protecting the Farmland Preservation Area before we asked the question.) https://ocalacep.com/the-cep/team/

Thank you also to Mark Casse, Canadian and National Hall of Fame Trainer, for presenting the Acorn Conservation Award to Charlotte Weber.

Thank you, most of all, to Charlotte Weber, for your careful stewardship of Live Oak Stud for over 50 years.

And Special Thanks to Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company for donating the sales arena for the Summit.

One of the comments on the feedback survey summarized the key points of the Summit: “Hearing from Kevin Sheilley about the economic impact of the horse industry and that the growth of the horse industry and protection of farmland can work together with other smart growth in the County. Thanks to Horse Farms Forever for bringing the right people together and remaining ever vigilant in protecting our local treasure – farmland. “

We hope you were inspired too and we thank you for all that you do!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Speakers

George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, introduced John Malone, telling us all the story of how the Malones came to own Ocala’s largest Thoroughbred farm, and how the farm has thrived under John and Leslie’s leadership.

Mark Casse presented his friend and colleague, Charlotte Weber, with the Acorn Conservation Award.

Casse also got in some face time with Magic, one of the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

“Think of these beautiful, iconic horse pastures as our ocean; and the magnificent live oak trees as our coral reefs,” said HFF President, Bernie Little – reminding us all that we are stewards of an environmental gift here in Marion County that is woven tightly to our culture and identity.

“I came here, as many of you did, because it was rural. It was quiet. You could have a nice little place. Now? 10,000 houses going up on this corner, 20,000 on the next. It gives me great concern…help us preserve it,” said Charlotte Weber.

Acorn Conservation Award winner, Charlotte Weber, with HFF President, Bernie Little and Mark Casse.

The beautiful Acorn Award, sculpted in Bronze by Colorado artist, Bryce Pettit.

“The ideas of growth and conservation are not always in conflict,” said Guest speaker Kevin Sheilley, President and CEO of the Ocala Metro CEP. “We really can have it all.”

“Ocala, which has this great heritage in horses and Thoroughbred horses, it’s kind of a unique area when you think about areas that deserve preservation. There aren’t that many places on the planet that are great for raising and training horses. The best ones have deep limestone soils,” said  John Malone, Liberty Media Chairman and owner of Bridlewood Farm.

“It is no coincidence that many of the world’s best horses have ties to Ocala. Our mineral rich soils have produced some of the strongest, best equine athletes in the world,” said Sara Powell Fennessy, HFF Executive Director.

“Beauty alone will not protect our farms. But there are several win-win solutions to protect land – from the Comprehensive Plan to Conservation Easements,” said Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation Strategies.

Guests

Katie Reynolds Wentz, Regional Sales Manager, Triple Crown Feed and Bill Vander Brink, Co-Owner of Elite Equestrian Magazine.

Scout – miniature therapy horse extraordinaire!

HFF Founder, Pauline Hartogh

Guests arriving. Over 400 registered to attend.

Thanks to an amazing corps of volunteers, each guest was greeted with a program and directions on where to find an amazing catered lunch by Fresh Green Tomatoes Catering Company.

HFF’s Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires, with Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, Jorge Garcia-Bangochea with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse, Magic, and HFF’s Executive Director, Sara Fennessy.

HFF President Bernie Little and Dean Saunders

Guy Marwick, Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation, his wife Pat, daughter-in-law Elia and his son Matt Marwick.

HFF Volunteer Nancy DiMaggio discusses the FPA Map with a Guest.

Juliet W. Reid, Chester Weber, and Niki Popp Tripodi.

Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, Assistant County Administrator Public Works & Growth Services, Tracy Straub, Growth Services Director, Mary Elizabeth Burgess, and Executive Director at Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Loretta Shaffer.

Advent Health Foundation’s Executive Director, Jenna Krager, shares a smile with Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

HFF President Bernie Little with Horse Protection Association of Florida’s new Executive Director, Christine Massinger.

Sponsors

Jorge Garcia-Bengochea and Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

(L to R) Jim Henningsen, President of College of Central Florida, Christopher Knife College of Central Florida Foundation Executive Director, Joe Johnson, CEO of Advent Health Ocala and guest.

Sam Reid and Gary Hartogh, HFF Founder.

Matt Varney from Ocala Horse Properties with Juliet W. Reid.

Mary Phelps of Markel Equine Insurance and Horses Daily (R) along with Gina Capone of Ocala Florida News (L).

Jacqueline Taylor of Equus TV.

Lonny Powell, CEO of the FTBOA (R), with wife, Karen Powell (L) and daughter, HFF Executive Director, Sara Powell Fennessy (Center).

Staff & Board

HFF President, Bernie Little (R) with wife and HFF Founder, Mary Jane Hunt (L).

Board Vice President, Rob Desino (c), with Founders Jim Cannavino, Matt Varney and Elma Garcia Cannavino, and guest, Luann McElduff.

Executive Director, Sara Powell Fennessy.

Director of Communications, Michelle Grald.

Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires.

Summit Articles and Videos

 

Guest Survey: "What Did You Enjoy Most?"

  • “Especially touching was the spontaneous standing ovation for Charlotte Weber, it was very wonderful to be part of that experience and see her family there with her. The information was fascinating regarding statistics and growth in Marion county. I was amazed to see such a large and diversified crowd in attendance and heard nothing but very positive comments about the entire event either directly or in passing. Excellent job to all!”
  • “My favorite part was the opening speaker (Sara Fennessy’s) ability to address the room. I liked Kevin Sheilley’s presentation and really liked the Acorn Award and thought it was so cool to see Mark Casse in person! He is a celebrity to my family. All of the staff did a great job conducting and participating in the event. A job well done HFF!”
  • “Kevin Sheilley was engaging and such a character. I learned a lot. “
  • “Hearing from the Kevin Sheilley about the economic impact of the horse industry and that the growth of the horse industry and protection of farmland can work together with other smart growth in the County. Thanks to Horse Farms Forever for bringing the right people together and remaining ever vigilant in protecting our local treasure- farmland. “
  • “John Malone is always calm, optimistic and inspiring. George Isaac’s introduction of JM was epic. Kevin Sheilley’s presentation was very informative. He expresses an understanding of the need for urban development as well as preservation. The proof, as they say, will be in the results. Tough job as you can’t please all the people all of the time! Everyone involved made it a great experience.”
  • “This was a well organized event. Thank you for all your hard work. It is certainly appreciated. Having lived in Marion County for about 25 years and watched its growth it is comforting to know that everyone is doing their best to preserve what we love best about it. Long live SLOWCALA.”

Guest Survey: "Ideas For Future Summits"

    • “Keep up the good work! Remind people you are a non-profit and how the operation is structured!”

    • “Testimonials from select farms & breed interests. Drill-down next year on next steps/call to action, updating of issues current & of import at the time.”

    • “What we need to do to assist with conserving our horse farms. “

    • “Transportation and how it relates to conservation. Proposed new Marion County Roads. 75 Interchange North of 27. World Equestrian Center”

    • “More about conservation easements, other alternatives to save the agricultural lands in Marion County”

    • “I would like to know more about any State level protection efforts, laws, programs that are intended to encourage conservation of lands. What can be done by Horse Farms Forever to strengthen those state level efforts, if any exist now? It is wonderful to rely on wealthy and sympathetic land owners but we ultimately need more than that to ensure significant conservation in and outside of Marion County. “

    • “I feel it’s helpful for the people who do not want urban sprawl to understand what plans need to be passed to be able to contain the growth. (i.e., infrastructure such as city water/sewer, etc.). That infrastructure is going to cost money and if it is easier for homes to be built without damaging the environment close together, the need to take over more land will be less.”

    • “Would like to know about volunteer opportunities.”

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Starting With Our Presenting Sponsor,
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation!

 

Gold 

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Jacqueline B. Mars

Misty Lane Cattle Co.
Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

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Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!
Join or Donate Now
Marion County’s Farmland Is It’s “Factory Floor”

Marion County’s Farmland Is It’s “Factory Floor”

by | Nov 9, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

The American Farmland Trust (AFT) has been an inspiration and source of knowledge for us here at Horse Farms Forever (HFF) since our inception 3 years ago. At last year’s Summit, AFT’s Billy Van Pelt was treated to a helicopter ride over the top of Marion County by HFF President, Bernie Little. This is what he had to say about the significance of Ocala/Marion County’s Farmland after seeing it from the air.

Precious and Productive Farmland

Last year, Billy Van Pelt of the American Farmland Trust presented a comprehensive report on the state of agriculture in Florida, highlighting what is precious about Marion County’s soil, water, and rural landscape. This year, the American Farmland Trust has joined us as a Gold Sponsor of Conversations About Conservation. -Summit 2021. Van Pelt will once again be with us at the Summit on November 23. We are grateful for the perspective and knowledge he brings to our conservation efforts.

As a native of Kentucky’s bluegrass region, he has overseen a successful, ongoing effort to conserve horse farms and has a good idea of what it will take to get it done here in Marion County. We had a brief conversation about conservation with Van Pelt in anticipation of the Summit, and this is what he had to say:

Why is it important for Marion County to have conversations about conservation?

“Conservation of these iconic and productive agricultural areas are equal to the conservation of the long-term economic development strategy of Ocala/Marion County, says Van Pelt. “It is a quality-of-life issue. Corporations, the best and brightest talent, residents, retirees, and tourists choose Ocala/Marion County because of the rural landscape.”

Balance is critical, notes Van Pelt, who has a background as a landscape architect. “The rural landscape gives the urban area context and a sense of place. In an age where people can work from anywhere, providing a balance between the urban and the rural is critical for people to thrive in their jobs and in their lives. Beyond economic development, conservation is vitally important for the long-term environmental resiliency of Ocala/Marion County,” he adds. The rare limestone-rich soils and springs in this area make it uniquely suitable for raising horses.

And there is a cost factor as well. “Agriculture uses less in services than it pays in taxes, notes Van Pelt. “Sprawl uses more in services than it pays in taxes. Sprawl is unsustainable both fiscally and environmentally.” In the long run, unplanned growth costs us, while concentrated urban growth and agricultural property both use less in services than they pay in taxes.

What do we stand to gain through farmland preservation?

In a word: “Everything,” says Van Pelt.  “All the economic impacts of the cluster of the equine and the agricultural sectors. Increased business recruitment, talent recruitment, agri-tourism, and agri-businesses.” The horse industry represents twenty-percent of Marion County’s GDP. There is one horse for every four people here. People come here to visit, retire, work, and play – and a lot them come either because of the horses or simply to enjoy the quality of life created by the landscape.

How would you describe Marion County’s unique identity?

Van Pelt is quick to point out that our farmland is not just window dressing – it is a working landscape and our global calling card. He describes our global brand as “A rural landscape that defines the ‘factory floor’ of Ocala/Marion County’s multi-billion dollar equine industries, complimented by a vibrant, thriving urban core,” and adds that “both of these are economic development drivers that define its holistic quality of life.”

In summation, Van Pelt emphasizes balance – an approach to growth that is vigilant to protect farmland and precious natural resources while still encouraging urban growth “from the inside-out,” by concentrating density where municipal services are located.

The American Farmland Trust has so much to offer to citizens and landowners. Come to the Summit and meet Van Pelt during the lunch hour. His display will feature many of the resources that can also be found at their website, farmland.org.

 
 
 
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Lunch Menu
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2021 Summit

2021 Summit

by | Sep 21, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

(L to R) Horse Farms Forever Executive Director, Sara Fennessy; OBS Director of Marketing, Wes Peterson; Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires.

Join The Conversation

Horse Farms Forever is pleased to present the 2021 Conservation Summit on November 23rd at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS). Our speakers will be sharing the same stage as OBS grads and Kentucky Derby winners Lil E. Tee, Silver Charm and Medina Spirit!

We are so honored to have John C. Malone, CEO of Liberty Media, as our Keynote Speaker. Mr. Malone is the largest private landowner in North America with over 2.2 Million acres and he will share his inspiration and passion for preserving land. He also owns Ocala’s historic Bridlewood Farm.

Kevin Sheilley, CEO and President of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP), will address Marion County’s booming economy and how to balance growth with preserving open space and farms. He will also present the results of the countywide Quality of Life Survey. Find out more about the responses to the Survey questions such as:

  • What do we want our future to look like?
  • What must we build and preserve for future generations?

Let’s Talk, Marion County

The purpose of the Summit is to facilitate the conversation about the two important questions above. Without a strong vision and plan to protect what makes Marion County so special – the open spaces and beautiful places – it could all be lost.

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to grow by about 150,000 new residents and according to the Ocala CEP, approximately 150 families per week have moved into Marion County in the past five years.

What Will Be Our Legacy?

It’s not a question of if we will grow, but how we will grow. Both the Survey and the Summit are the community’s opportunity to take a step back to assess our strengths and weaknesses and work together for the future of Ocala/Marion County.

Horse Farms Forever shares Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant’s sentiments about growth.

 “Growth is here and it’s happening. We are not stopping growth. But I will say for me, I think a lot about it. When I drive down the turnpike and I’ve got to go to Orlando and you just see the fields of houses – the rooftop, after rooftop, after rooftop. I don’t want our County to look like that in 20 or 30 years. What kind of legacy are we leaving?” said Commissioner Bryant at the July 7, 2021 Board of County Commissioners workshop.

Have You Seen The New OBS?

Check out the extensive renovations to the Ocala Breeder’s Sales Facility highlighted in their recent Behind the Gate episode aired on Horse Capital TV. We thank Ocala Breeder’s Sales, a founding member, for their hospitality and generosity in sharing this top-notch event facility for our Summit.

How does Marion County feel about its open spaces, horse farms, and quality of life? What matters most to the residents of this County? Find out first as we unveil the results of the Quality of Life Survey at the 2021 Summit.

Meet the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses in all their friendly and fuzzy glory. Learn about their rewarding work and mission.

From Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow

The Acorn Award, sponsored by Horse Farms Forever, will be awarded for the first time at the Summit. This award will be given annually to a Marion County landowner who has exemplified what it means to protect and honor the open spaces and beautiful places that make Ocala/Marion County unique.

Businesses and Farms In Support

The Summit is presented by Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, and is supported by over 30 businesses, farms and non-profits.

Please join Horse Farms Forever on November 23rd at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company to help continue this important Conversation about Conservation.

We hope to see you there!

Sign Up

Seats are filling fast. In-person attendance on November 23 includes lunch and networking time from 11 to noon. The program is noon to 1:30pm. You can also opt to attend the live stream virtually from your location. Deadline for in-person registration is November 9.

Register

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!
Join or Donate Now
Marion County Should Protect A Unique Resource: Its Horse Farms

Marion County Should Protect A Unique Resource: Its Horse Farms

by | Apr 26, 2021 | News, Plan

Busy Shires, guest columnist to the Ocala Star Banner

Published 6:30 a.m. ET Apr. 23, 2021

The month of April has been designated as Farmland Preservation Month by the Marion County Commission. There are over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County and the mineral rich soil is the perfect grazing land for horses.

As a result, the county has one of the largest horse populations in the United States with over 80,000 horses. That’s one horse for every four people! With the opening of the World Equestrian Center, the number of horses in Marion County will only continue to grow.

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.

Growth is good for a community. The opportunity presented to our county is to grow wisely.

When residential sprawl threatens farmland and open space, we all lose. Higher taxes, lower quality of life and the loss of community character and culture are all at stake. The key is to determine where, when and how to grow.

It’s also important to determine the cost of providing infrastructure, such as roads and schools, for new development. For 30 years, the American Farmland Trust has been researching the cost of providing infrastructure to different land uses with Cost of Community Services studies. The COCS studies show that sprawling urban development costs more to provide services than the property taxes it contributes.

While residential development requires expensive public services and infrastructure, privately owned farms do not require significant public infrastructure. The data also consistently shows that industrial land and farmland gives back while residential consumes more than it contributes in taxes. The median cost to provide services for each one dollar of tax revenue raised: $0.27 for businesses, $0.36 for agriculture, and $1.15 for residential.

To help prevent sprawling development and protect the scenic horse farms, it would be helpful if Marion County conducted a CCS study to help determine how proposed land-use changes are likely to affect the County’s budget.

Good planning means saying ‘no’ when zoning change requests in rural areas require comparatively expensive infrastructure upgrades as compared to more urban locations.

Preserving farms and agricultural lands – through good planning – helps protect our environment, quality of life, and most importantly, our rural economy.

Horse Farms Forever is working with elected officials and staff at the county to encourage good planning as Ocala/Marion County grows. We also monitor for any potential roadway and development threats to the Farmland Preservation Area. We encourage you to join our efforts to protect the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Marion County.

Busy Shires is director of conservation strategies for Horse Farms Forever, Inc. in Ocala.

Busy Shires

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!
Join or Donate Now