OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A longtime utility provider in Marion County is planning a new operations facility, with local implications for service, land use, and growth near CR 475A and Hwy. 484.

Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SECO), which has served the region for more than 80 years, had a zoning change approved by the Marion County Planning and Zoning Board on May 28. The board unanimously approved the change 6-0, rezoning the 80-acre site from general agriculture to community business. However, a special use permit tied to the project was recommended for denial by county staff.

The property sits within the 475A Visual Enhancement Greenway Overlay, near the Florida Horse Park and Cross Florida Greenway. That designation limits how visible or intensive development can be. Senior planner Chris Rison said the zoning change was consistent with permitted uses, but the warehouse’s visibility over landscaping remained a concern.

The $70 million proposal includes a 79,100-square-foot employment center that would serve as a support and backup dispatch location, housing over 30 line technicians and 15 logistics and office staff. SECO officials emphasized the site is essential to improving emergency response and storm recovery.

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“This isn’t about expanding or convenience, it’s about smart, future-ready infrastructure, in the right place for the right reasons,” said Kathy Judkins, SECO vice president of communications, community and member experience. “This site puts us closer to the members who need us most, especially during storms and emergencies. It’s about faster and reliable service.”

Judkins added that SECO listened to community feedback and made changes to buffers and building design to align with the rural character of the area.

Tara Tedrow, an attorney representing SECO, said, “When you look at our site you’re going to see a really beautiful amount of landscaping, with a minimal view-shed into anything on our property, if you can see it at all. We have to have facilities like this to be responsive to community needs.”

Support for the project came from the Florida Horse Park and Ocala Metro CEP. While Horse Farms Forever did not take a position, the organization expressed appreciation for SECO’s due diligence and design revisions.

SECO acquired the property in December 2024. The special use permit remains under consideration.

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