Save Our Rural Areas (SORA) has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida—a necessary step to ensure that decisions shaping our community are made lawfully, transparently, and in accordance with the long-standing protections that define our region.

At the heart of this action is a rezoning decision that significantly departs from the originally approved use of a recreational RV park located within Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and introduces a far more intensive, publicly accessible development.

As detailed in our petition, these changes effectively open the door to a large-scale, themed attraction with day-pass access, fundamentally altering both the site's use and impact.

This case is not just about a single project—it is about the future of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. The FPA exists to protect the rural landscapes, agricultural heritage, and environmental resources that are central to Marion County’s identity and economy. Yet, FPA lands are increasingly under pressure from incremental, high-intensity development proposals that, over time, erode the very purpose of these protections.

SORA believes the County’s decision raises serious legal concerns, including whether residents were afforded proper notice and due process, whether the approval complies with the County’s Land Development Code, and whether it constitutes unlawful spot zoning that is incompatible with surrounding rural uses.

A writ of certiorari is a vital legal safeguard. It provides the court with the opportunity to review whether this decision adhered to the law and was supported by competent, substantial evidence. In doing so, it serves as an essential instrument to uphold the integrity of the policies designed to protect the FPA from precisely this kind of incremental encroachment.

For the residents of Marion County, this action represents more than a legal filing—it is a commitment to preserving the character of our community in the face of relentless development pressures. Protecting the FPA is not about resisting progress; it is about ensuring that growth is responsible, consistent with adopted plans, and respectful of the landscapes and livelihoods that define our county.

SORA remains committed to thoughtful, balanced growth. By seeking judicial review, we are standing up for the rule of law, the voice of our residents, and the preservation of Marion County’s rural legacy for generations to come.

What You Can Do

✅ Email the Commissioners
Even a short message makes a difference.

✅ Encourage Others to Speak Out
Forward this message to neighbors and fellow residents who care about responsible growth and protecting Marion County’s rural heritage.

✅ Support SORA’s Work
Donations to Save Our Rural Areas, Inc. 501(c)(3) are deeply appreciated and can be made on our website at SaveOurRuralArea.org.

Together, we can hold our county accountable to its promises to its residents and ensure that growth happens responsibly, not recklessly. Please stand with us.