We need your voice—and your presence—to help protect the integrity of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area.

On Monday, July 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., the Marion County Board of County Commissioners will consider a proposal to rezone 236 acres of land from low-density residential to high-intensity commercial development. The hearing will take place at McPherson Governmental Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL.

We strongly urge you to attend this critical meeting and help us oppose this blatant overreach by the World Equestrian Center through Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC.

If you cannot attend, please email your objections directly to the commissioners:

• Craig Curry – Craig.Curry@marionfl.org

• Kathy Bryant – Kathy.Bryant@marionfl.org

• Matt McClain – Matthew.McClain@marionfl.org

• Carl Zalak – Carl.Zalak@marionfl.org

• Michelle Stone – Michelle.Stone@marionfl.org

What's at Stake

In 2017, this land was rezoned from Rural to Low Residential with a specific promise: to serve as a buffer of equestrian-based mini farms and protect the surrounding Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) from further commercial creep.

That promise is now in jeopardy.

The new proposal seeks to build:

• 17 sports fields

• A stadium

• A large indoor sports and expo center

• Hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and numerous commercial buildings

Not a single equestrian or agricultural use is included—despite the land’s prior designation and clear intent. 

A Brief History (They’d Rather You Forget)

In 2017, this land was removed from the Farmland Preservation Area to support the new World Equestrian Center—but only with clear, written conditions. It was rezoned to allow one home per 3 acres, to serve as a step-down buffer into the rural landscape. The county even included a specific mechanism to prevent precisely this kind of overreach—the Equivalency Matrix—which stated:

“Equestrian Estate is the only allowed use.” AND “Only single-family residential is permitted.”

What’s changed since 2017 to justify this latest push?

Nothing.

Except the developer’s desire to go bigger, denser, and louder—with no regard for prior agreements or community impact.

This isn’t about a single parcel anymore. It’s about whether Marion County will stand by the promises it made to protect our Farmland Preservation Area or roll over for every well-funded new development proposal that comes along.

Why This Matters

This kind of unchecked development in rural Marion County doesn’t just affect those living nearby. It impacts everyone:

• Increased traffic and sprawl

• Strain on limited water resources

• Loss of the rural character that makes this region unique and beautiful

We’ve seen this before—like at the Ocala Jockey Club property. Thanks to all-volunteer SORA leading the fight with effective legal advocacy and community engagement, that project was scaled back to better fit the land and our community. We can do it again—but we must act now.

What You Can Do

✅ Attend the Commission Meeting
📍 Monday, July 21, 2025 | 1:30 p.m.
📍 McPherson Governmental Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala

✅ Email the Commissioners
Even a short message makes a difference. (Addresses listed above.)

✅ 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.