Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever

Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever

by | Jan 4, 2021 | News, Plan

Marion County’s Available Land Within The Urban Growth Boundary is Greater Than the City of Miami.

Marion County is seeking input as they develop their 5-year strategic plan.

Horse Farms Forever was invited to present at Marion County’s Growth and Future Planning Strategic Committee meeting on December 10th. The Committee is seeking input from stakeholders about growth and development as the county develops a five-year strategic plan. It is led by Angel Roussel, Assistant County Administrator of Public Works, and includes staff from Growth Services, Community Services and Utilities. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, who represents the Farmland Preservation Area, is also a member.

 “We are focused on a long-term strategy of protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in order to ensure that our global brand as Horse Capital of the World® will remain for future generations. Without our horses, and horse farms, what would Marion County be known for? If we are not proactive in protecting our brand, we will lose the very thing that makes Ocala/Marion county so unique and special.” said Sara Powell Fennessy, Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever.

The Horse Farms Forever team of Sara Powell-Fennessy and Busy Shires Byerly voiced concerns about development pressure on the Farmland Preservation Area. About 2,500 acres of the Farmland Preservation Area has already been lost to urban uses since the FPA was created 15 years ago.

They also shared Horse Farms Forever’s position of support for planned growth within the Urban Growth Boundary and opposition to sprawl, particularly when it threatens to compromise the Farmland Preservation Area.

Marion County has approximately 3,800 farms (including horse farms) on about 322,000 acres. (1) Some view agricultural lands as fallow fields just waiting to be converted to their “highest and best use” as urban development. For the mineral rich soils of Marion County, the “highest and best use” is agriculture, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. The American Farmland Trust’s The State of the States Report also recently confirmed that the soils in the Farmland Preservation Area are PVR soils: Productive, Versatile and Resilient. (2) Agricultural lands also help to balance county budgets because they don’t require expensive public infrastructure and services.

Sources

  1. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2012/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Florida/cp12083.pdf
  2. https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/farms-under-threat-the-state-of-the-states/

“Growth is inevitable. Marion County is growing at a rapid rate, the question is not if we will grow, but where, when, and how. There are about 35,000 acres – roughly 55 square miles – of permitted land inside the Urban Growth Boundary. There is more land available within the Urban Growth Boundary than the size of Miami, so why are we putting so much pressure on our precious farmland?”

Sara Powell-Fennessy

Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever

By promoting sustainable growth management policies, we can work together to protect the very thing that makes Marion County so special. The goal is to positively change planning and zoning laws – to help protect our quality of life, economy, and horse farms for future generations. 

Busy Shires Byerly

Director of Conservation Strategies, Horse Farms Forever

Horse Farms Forever offered suggestions that will protect the Farmland Preservation Area and help manage growth.

Short Term:

  • Respect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and Urban Growth Boundary.
  • Respect the Comprehensive Plan- it should not be subject to change with every developer’s request.
  • Strengthen the definition of the Farmland Preservation Area in the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code regulations.
  • Revise the Ag Zoning and Special Use Permit process to be compatible with the FPA.

Long Term:

Horse Farms Forever wants to be a catalyst, along with other community leaders, for the development of a Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP) for Marion County.  A RLMP is a plan that outlines compatible land uses for the rural area. It will identify issues, resources, policies and methods for the long-term viability of agriculture, while balancing growth and development.

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.

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Sara Powell-Fennessy Promoted As Horse Farms Forever’s Executive Director

Sara Powell-Fennessy Promoted As Horse Farms Forever’s Executive Director

by | Dec 14, 2020 | News

The Board of Directors of Horse Farms Forever is excited to announce the promotion of Sara Powell Fennessy to Executive Director of the organization, effective January 1, 2021.

“Sara has the vision and passion to lead this organization. She is keenly focused on advancing our mission to preserve the character and culture that horses and horse farms make unique to Ocala and Marion County. Throughout her tenure at HFF as Director of Community Affairs, Sara has proven herself to be a leader who knows how to get things done. She brings a generational understanding of the equine industry and a true love for the community,” says Bernie Little, HFF President.

Sara grew up in an equine centric household.  A lifelong horse show and racing enthusiast, she devoted much of time as a hunter-jumper competitor while she attended school in Lexington, Kentucky. During her almost 10 years in Marion County, Florida, she has devoted herself to a career of outreach, communication, management, and promotion in the local community and equine industry. Today she now owns pleasure horses and is an avid trail rider.

Sara competing her former show horse “Ooh La La” at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo credit: Shawn McMillen.

 

A Horseman’s Legacy

A fifth-generation horsewoman, Sara has a lifelong family history focused primarily within the Thoroughbred and show horse sectors. Her parents and grandparents owned and trained racehorses and show horses. Sara’s grandfather was a Quarter Horse jockey and manager of the Jockey’s Guild until his passing, and her father is a lifelong member of the Thoroughbred world and industry executive. Her mother was a Saddlebred competitor and now spends much of her current time dedicated to her pleasure horses.

An honor’s graduate from the College of Central Florida, Sara’s educational background is in Paralegal studies. She recently served on the management team of Live Oak International and is the current Chair of the Ocala CEP’s Equine Advocacy Committee. 

The last two years working for Horse Farms Forever has been such an honor. I am truly and deeply passionate to my core about Horse Farms Forever’s mission and purpose. Protecting this way of life and culture here in Marion County means everything to me. I am so thankful to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that our global brand as Horse Capital of the World® remains for future generations. I am honored to take on the role as Executive Director for Horse Farms Forever and look forward to what the future holds for this special organization and our valued Members.

Sara Powell-Fennessy

Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever

Horse Farms Forever

Horse Farms Forever, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation registered with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as a 501(c)3 with the IRS.

Our mission is to inspire the conservation of horse farms by preserving the natural pasture land for horses and their habitats, and to protect the soil and water on which they depend, while minimizing land use conflicts in Ocala/Marion County, Florida.

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!
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New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

by | Dec 9, 2020 | News

Photo by Elma Garcia-Cannavino

Like one of Marion County’s beautiful live oaks, we are growing broader as an organization even as our roots stretch deep. A dedicated group of supporters continue keep us alive and healthy as our mission gains momentum in the community. Thank you to all who have recognized the importance of open spaces and beautiful places in Ocala/Marion County and the importance of preserving what makes us unique – horses and horse farms.

Founders

Our Founders initial pledges of $10,000 or more in 2018 got us off the ground and helped us to defeat the toll road in the Farmland Preservation Area. Founders who renew each year are demonstrating their iron clad commitment to continuing the work of preservation. New threats are appearing all the time, and the Founders are behind us all the way. We are beyond grateful.

 

Renewing Founders:

  • Paul & Ann Kaplan – who graciously doubled their renewal 
  • Lauren Kay
  • Richard Helms
  • Rick & Danielle Sherman
  • Dave & Ann Quanbeck
  • Chester Weber
  • Dave & Esther Wright

Renewing Founder Businesses:

Ocala Breeder’s Sales

says Tom Ventura, president Ocala Breeder’s Sales:

“Horse Farms Forever’s purpose is to protect the culture that we have here in Ocala. It is just a logical connection for Ocala Breeder’s Sales to be a part of it.”

 

world-equestrian-center-ocala-florida
world-equestrian-center-ocala-florida

Golden Ocala/World Equestrian Center

One of the most exciting developments in the equine history of the county is the upcoming opening of the World Equestrian Center.  The Roberts family, developers of the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Center, and the World Equestrian Center, have aligned with our mission since we began in 2018 and have recently renewed as Founders.

Bridlewood Farm

John and Leslie Malone, owners of Bridlewood Farm, continue to support us as Founders. Bridlewood Farm, a name synonymous with success at the highest levels in Thoroughbred racing, breeding and sales, encompasses more than 1600 acres. 

Charter Members

At the $5,000 level, Charter membership represents a stalwart commitment to Horse Farms Forever’s long term impact. We are thrilled to announce our latest renewing Charter Members:

  • Phyllis Harlow
  • Matt Varney

and NEW Charter Member:

  • Joel Wiessner Productions

Renewing Charter Businesses:

Mars Equestrian

“No doubt, the world would be a lesser universe without the horse. The joy, the sorrow, the beauty, the wildness, the service they render to mankind. We are lucky to be able to share in their story.” Jacqueline Mars

Horses are deeply rooted in MARS history dating back to the 1930s. Giving back through Equestrian partnerships illustrates the MARS commitment for a better world.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

Our presenting sponsor for the Conservation Summit, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, has also renewed as a Charter Member. Their motto is “You don’t have to be a world champion to travel like one,” emphasizing the deep care and attention to detail that Brook Ledge puts into every trip. 

Patrons

Thank you for your continued and generous support at the $2,500 level!

 

Renewing Patron Businesses:

Eddie Woods Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Eddie Woods Stables

Eddie Woods, a native of Meath, Ireland, has built an impressive 240-acre facility in Ocala, through hard work and a tremendous desire to produce quality horses. 

Woods has now been based in Central Florida for more than 15 years, and has increased his knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry working for fellow horsemen Tony and Joanne Everard. His knowledge, management and communication skills all have played a role in his success, and he deploys a pragmatic and disciplined approach while working toward a set of well-defined goals.

Autumn Schweiss Eventing

Having grown up in Minnesota on horses since a very young age, Autumn Schweiss has moved to the heart of horse country in Ocala, Florida, considered by many as the premier eventer’s location in all of the United States.

From here, she continues to compete and is willing to share her vast knowledge of the sport she learned from other renowned world-class clinicians and Olympians during her lifetime.

Imagine Thoroughbreds

Imagine Thoroughbreds is a one stop thoroughbred shop. Imagine Thoroughbreds handles the training of young Thoroughbred race prospects, as well as fitting weanlings and yearlings for upcoming sales. Layups and broodmare care are also available.

Leaders

Renewing Leader Businesses:

Ocala Equine Hospital

Ocala Equine Hospital is a surgical referral center established in 1997 to treat elective surgical cases and orthopedic emergencies. They have a full range of advanced surgical and diagnostic equipment enabling them to provide premiere surgical referral services for the region. Their swimming pool recovery system is unique to the region and complements expertise in fracture repair. They also provide ambulatory services for emergencies, preventative care, lameness, reproduction, radiography and general medical care.

New Founders, Brandon & Diannah Perry

Brandon and Diannah Perry of Paragon Farms & Estates, have made a generous pledge of $100,000 to Horse Farms Forever in honor of Brandon’s mother, Cathy D. Perry. The Perrys conserved their farm in Kentucky with the American Farmland Trust and have enthusiastically joined the movement to conserve our iconic Marion County farmland.

 

New and Renewing Partners and Friends

Welcome to the Herd!

Ann Cottongim
Amber De Berry
Fawzy Ebrahim
Helena Smejda
Dave Squier
William & Noelle Vander Brink

 

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 find out more information or to join please contact our Executive Director, Sara Fennessy at sara.fennessy@
horsefarmsforever.com .

Join Now

Welcome New Corporate Member, Tillman Engineering

Welcome New Corporate Member, Tillman Engineering

by | Nov 23, 2020 | News

David Tillman (center) with Doug Cone of Cone Distributing (left) and HFF Board President, Bernie Little (right) at the Conservation Summit on November 19. Photo by Dillon Video.

Engineering Sensible Growth

As we inspire Marion County to uphold and protect its global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®, it is gratifying to see the wide range of members who are joining us. Everyone has a stake in keeping Ocala/Marion County open and beautiful, including our development and real estate companies. We’re going to grow. The question is where, when and how.

One new member who is an expert in sensible growth planning and natural resource protection is Tillman and Associates Engineering. Tillman sponsored and attended our Conservation Summit last week. We are grateful for their support and the expertise that President David Tillman brings to the table. As experts in civil engineering who also recognize the importance of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County, Tillman is an important ally and resource.

I am excited to be a part of Horse Farms Forever. I have always felt that a healthy balance of preservation and growth will be the success of Marion County. Our horse farms are a true treasure worthy of protection.

David Tillman

President, Tillman and Associates Engineering

We are especially pleased to welcome David Tillman as the newest corporate member of Horse Farms Forever. Not only are David and his company the ‘gold standard’ in roadway, storm water, and bridge design, traffic operations, maintenance, survey, materials investigation, and construction engineering, David is an avid outdoorsman and a champion of preserving the landscapes that make Ocala/Marion County a great place for outdoor recreation.

Bernie Little

President, Horse Farms Forever

Tillman and Associates’ staff of land development and entitlement professionals has over 100 years of combined Civil Engineering, Land Planning, Surveying, Landscape Architecture, and Environmental Engineering experience. Mr. Tillman has served in many different aspects of the civil engineering field. These include: roadway design, storm water design, bridge design, traffic operations, maintenance, survey, materials investigation, and construction engineering. Currently, he is working with the Roberts family on Golden Ocala and the World Equestrian Center. He has managed the permitting for over 16,000 acres within The Villages Project, as well as over 40 FEMA map revisions. Mr. Tillman was the engineer of record on US 441 widening at The Villages as well as the widening of CR 42, just north of The Villages. Mr. Tillman is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He serves on the Marion County LDRC as Chairman, holds the treasury position for the Ocala Silver Springs Rotary Club, is a chapter coordinator for Mathcounts sponsored by the Florida Engineering Society, and is also an FDEP Certified Stormwater Management Inspector. He is also a member of the Marion County Building Industry Association and the CEP.

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to show that you care about open spaces and 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 Director of Community Affairs,
Sara Fennessy 

Join Now

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.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join or Donate Now
Commissioners Meeting With WEC Centers on Improvements

Commissioners Meeting With WEC Centers on Improvements

by | Nov 5, 2020 | Events, News, Resolved

November 5, 2020: The Marion County Board of Commissioners met yesterday to discuss the proposed amendment to the Golden Ocala – World Equestrian Center’s (GO-WEC) Development Agreement. The main issues discussed at the meeting were about water and wastewater treatment, roadway and intersection improvements, and fire safety.

The Amendment proposes changes to the original Development Agreement. It outlined several infrastructure improvements and other infrastructure needs. The meeting was the continuation of the first public hearing for the Development Agreement Amendment. The second public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM. The public hearing for the proposed changes to the Golden Ocala Comprehensive Plan Amendment (20-D01) and PUD Rezoning Amendment (20200201Z) applications will also be held on December 16.

The Comprehensive Plan Amendment and PUD Rezoning Amendment, which has not yet been approved, includes a request to add about 1,000 acres for a total area of about 4,200 acres. In addition, the commercial space would increase to 4 million square feet – up from 525,000 square feet in the 2018 original plan. Hotel rooms would increase to 1,350, up from 385 and seating at the equestrian venues also would increase from 10,000 seats to 13,500 seats. The number of homes remains at just below 2,400, however RV spaces would increase from 200 to 280 spaces.

Key issues discussed:

  • Building a new water treatment facility plant and wells within the project site.
  • GO-WEC will purchase a new fire truck for $1.3M with a ladder tall enough for the five-story hotel. The county will repay GO-WEC over several years.
  • GO-WEC will construct the entrance improvements to:
    • NW 80th Avenue at NW 21st Street.
    • NW 80th Avenue at the entrance to the WEC parking lot.
    • SR 40 Entrance Improvements and Driveway Improvements
  • Four-laning of NW 80th
  • GO-WEC will conduct a new traffic study once WEC is open to determine if there are additional roadway and intersection improvements needed. There is a traffic study from 2017/2018. In addition, additional traffic studies will be conducted by GO-WEC as they reach certain build out points and once GO-WEC begins building on the parcels north of US Hwy 27.

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