May 20, 2020
Horses, horse farms and the horse industry create the character and culture that define Ocala/Marion County. The vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever is to ensure this ‘sense of place’ is protected for future generations, especially the Farmland Preservation Area located in northwest Marion County.
One of the most exciting developments in the equine history of the county is the upcoming opening of the World Equestrian Center. This massive private project focused on sport horses will truly solidify Ocala/Marion County as the Horse Capital of the WorldÒ.
Recently, we expressed our concern about two proposed changes to the Farmland Preservation Area that were included in the amendment to the County’s comprehensive plan requested by the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center organization. The first request was to move the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area on several parcels on County Road 225 A. The second request was to apply a newly created land use designation called WEC to rural property inside the Farmland Preservation Area on the west side of NW 100th Avenue.
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.
As often happens when there are different opinions, a collaborative focus can bring alignment to positions. In this case, both parties sought to better understand each other’s position. In the end we felt like our goals were accomplished and we stayed true to our mission, as well as continued our support for the World Equestrian Center.
We thank the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center leadership for listening to our concerns and agreeing to respect the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area. We express our appreciation to the Roberts family for their incredible investment in the community, especially the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club and the World Equestrian Center.
We also thank them for continuing as Founding Members of Horse Farms Forever.
The Board of Directors
Hooray! We are very excited about WEC, but also totally supportive of the Farmland Preservation Area. I am pleased that the WEC leadership understood our concerns.
Kudos to the Roberts for understanding the concerns of those of us who live in this beautiful part of Florida! This decision will serve them well.
Thank you on behalf of the farms that are directly on 225A. I would be interested in seeing what plans are directed to the immediate expansion or widening of 225A at any point.
Thank you
Courtney Morgan 622-2330
Hooray!!!!!!!
THAT IS THE GREATEST NEWS. WE NEED OUR FARM LAND PRESERVED.
What was the final compromise?
See the Development Threats area of our website. It is posted there.
What was the final agreement made? Did they drop the request for resining of both parcels?
Awesome!! Kudos to GO-WEC and HFF for an excellent resolution!!
Good. Don’t EVER let ANYONE take our beloved land!
Congratulations to all parties and the unity in decision making.
Doing what is the right thing to do should always be the goal.
Thank you.
Great work and nice letter,however, I think we would all like to know more about the specifics of the deal. could you please provide a detailed outline.
Thank you
Stephen Day
This is wonderful news! If possible can you please explain what “equine related” covers.
Details on the “Gentlemen’s “
Agreement referencing the exact terms would indeed be helpful
Information for voting.
See the Development Threats area of our website. It is posted there.
We want to thank Horse Farms Forever and GO-WEC to coming to an agreement to preserve the precious farm land area, our small piece of heaven. Looking forward to the new chapter that WEC has been creating.
I am at a loss for understanding what parcels were slated for what uses. where can i find this detailed information?
Preston, me too! I would like to know which parcels are affected. There is a 53 ac parcel almost right next to us that they want to use for commercial and medium res.
Why no reply as to the specifics of the deal? Just to say a deal has been reached
is not enough for horsemen to pass judgement.
Like to know if indeed ‘Hooray’ is in order.
Details are posted in a separate blog. Check it out in the Development Threats area.
I read the letter pertaining to this “agreement” in Sunday’s Star Banner.
I see where 35% or up to 55 acres of the 157 acres fronting on NW 100th Av. and NW 110th Av. can still be used for COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT. Could you please explain what part of that parcel would be commercial and what that would be?
That 157 acres is bordered on three sides by long time established small farms and quiet country residential properties with both retired people and families with school children.
I read the letter pertaining to this “agreement” in Sunday’s Star Banner.
I see where 35% or up to 55 acres of the 157 acres fronting on NW 100th Av. and NW 110th Av. can still be used for COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT. Could you please explain what part of that parcel would be commercial and what that would be?
That 157 acres is bordered on three sides by long time established small farms and quiet country residential properties with both retired people and families with school children.