The Marion County Quality of Life Survey

What will Marion County look like in the future?

How can we grow gracefully?

What will it take to retain the character and culture of this special place?

We are asking those who live, work and play here to weigh in.

Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Together with the Ocala Metro CEP, College of Central Florida, Florida Thoroughbred Owner’s and Breeder’s Association, Ocala Horse Properties, and Hotel Development and Management Group, we are sponsoring a comprehensive Quality of Life Survey in Marion County. This Survey is being conducted by The Matrix Group – an independent insights and consulting firm.

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to grow by about 150,000 new residents. By taking a step back to assess our strengths and weaknesses, this survey is an opportunity to work together to strengthen the community and economy. It will also serve as a model for how public, private and non-profit organizations can work together toward building a better future here in Marion County.

 You may receive an invitation to participate in the Survey by mail. The Matrix Group is mailing the survey to 15,000 households randomly-selected to accurately represent all of the County’s regions. If you do receive the Survey, we urge you to follow the directions to complete it.

We look forward to sharing the results this Fall at our Conservation Summit

 
Gratitude to each of our generous sponsors for partnering with us in this important endeavor.
 

Conservation Summit 2021

Save the Date!

Tuesday, November 23

from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Lunch will be served at 11:00 AM

Live Stream from 12:30 to 2:30 PM

New Location:

 Ocala Breeder’s Sales Co.

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.

A Season of Promise

A Season of Promise

Spring is the season of promise. Meet the new and renewing members who have underscored our mission to preserve and protect Marion County’s precious farmland, even as our area experiences unprecedented growth and change.

Richard Helms

Richard & Teresa Helms
Backstraight Farm

Founder- RENEWING

Richard Helms is the founder and Chief Executive of Ntrepid Corporation. Richard and his wife, Teresa, moved to Ocala in 2010 and own Backstraight Farm where they raise horses, cows and donkeys.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Naked Horse Farm
Legendary Sport Horses

Charter – RENEWING

Naked Horse Farm specializes in sport horses (dressage, eventing, and jumpers). It offers a beautiful, newly renovated, world class training facility with show barn, dressage arena, show jump, cross country fields, hacking and conditioning.

 

College of Central Florida

Charter – NEW

We’re proud to have the College of Central Florida as a new Charter Member and look forward to partnering together to bring an awareness and appreciation for the unique character and culture of Marion County’s horses and horse farms to CF’s many related courses and programs. CF is widely-known as an affordable educational option with award-winning faculty, small class sizes and great support services.

HDG Hotel Development & Management Group

Charter – NEW

HDG Hotels is looked to as an experienced voice in the hospitality industry for those looking to build, own, and operate hotels. As both a respected developer and preferred management company, HDG’s team employs its core values of teamwork, communication, innovation, leadership and resourcefulness consistently. It’s local portfolio includes 5 hotels in Marion County and many more in surrounding counties.

Thank You!

Thomas & Paige Campbell
Leader – NEW

Jeff Gold
Partner – RENEWING

And Two New Friends:

  • Suzanne Jensen
  • Phys Assist

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF MARION COUNTY

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Executive Director,
Sara Fennessy