OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously (5–0) at a July 21 transmittal hearing to move forward with requests from Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC for text and map amendments tied to a proposed 236-acre sports and entertainment complex.
The amendments change the future land use element and land use designation from Low Residential to World Equestrian Center. The proposal, along with supporting data, will now be sent to the state for review and comment.
Legal pushback and concerns raised
Attorneys for Horse Farms Forever and Charlotte Weber opposed the request, asking commissioners to deny the changes. Concerns centered around internal consistency with the county’s comprehensive plan.
Marion County Attorney Guy Minter explained that state law does not require proposed amendments to align with the current comprehensive plan, as long as the final result, after all amendments, is internally consistent.
Commissioners were reminded that internal consistency must be addressed before final adoption.
Farmland Preservation Area a sticking point
Most speakers at the hearing opposed the current location of the project, which borders the Farmland Preservation Area, though many supported the idea of a sports complex in general.
Commissioner Matt McClain emphasized the value of the Farmland Preservation Area as a legacy for future generations and a community asset. He acknowledged the significant economic impact of the equine industry but also expressed support for the sports complex, stating he believes there’s room for both.
McClain said he supports moving the proposal forward with the transmittal.
Commissioners speak in favor of coexistence
Vice Chair Carl Zalak, III, highlighted the opportunity the complex presents.
“Marion County can be the Horse Capital of the World and the home to a world class sports venue, I believe both of those things can coexist,” said Zalak, III. “That we can be stewards of the land and champions of opportunity, and that we can welcome tomorrow without erasing yesterday.”
Commissioners noted the Farmland Preservation Area has been strengthened over time and originally intended for transfer of development rights.
“Thank God that [the Roberts family] had the vision that they had for this community,” said Commission Chair Kathy Bryant. “It was bold and it moved our community forward.”
Support from the community and city leaders
Some speakers, including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, spoke emotionally in favor of the proposal:
“This could be the spark that changes [a child’s] life… A lot of these kids can’t travel outside of Ocala. That’s why I’m so passionate about it.”
Next steps and state review
The application lacked a traffic impact analysis, prompting questions about completeness.
The comprehensive plan must be backed by data and analysis before final adoption.
A similar case, AZ Ocala Ranch, was transmitted for review but ultimately denied.
“We trust the elected commissioners to make the right decisions when presented with the facts,” said Sara Fennessy, executive director of Horse Farms Forever.