OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A special use permit to allow for the on-site sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages with 1,000 feet of a church, school or public park in a regional business zone will be considered by the Marion County Planning and Zoning Board at their meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
The applicant is Wises Enterprises, LLC, and the owner is JRB Property Management, LLC. The existing zoning classification is regional business. The 0.21-acre parcel is in the secondary springs’ protection zone and in the Lake Weir environmentally sensitive overlay zone. The physical site address is 13490 E. Hwy. 25, Ocklawaha. The parcel is located within the central states water resources utility district.
Staff has recommended denial.
JRB Property Management, LLC, has leased the first floor of the building to the applicant.
The applicant wished to operate a deli and beer and wine tavern. The building is nearly a century old, dating back to 1931, according to the Marion County property appraiser.
The intention of the special use permit is to allow the sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a church, school or public park. There are three houses of worship within 1,000 feet of the subject property.
The applicant has indicated to Marion County staff that licensing requirements related to food handling are either underway or have been approved.
Marion County staff found that the site as identified during permit review, may not be able to accommodate the proposed commercial intensity, based on the current land development code, related to parking and landscaping. Staff found that the request for the special use permit wasn’t consistent with the Marion County Comprehensive Plan and not compatible with the surrounding area and will adversely affect the public interest.
The area surrounding the property is characterized as being a mix of residential and commercial. Several properties to the south of the subject property are used for institutional purposes.
Marion County staff conducted an on-site visit on Nov. 7, 2025, and found that the property had a two-story building. with a parking lot to the west of the building with approximately seven parking spaces, including one that has been designated for handicap parking. There are several trees in the parking lot, reducing the potential number of parking spaces.
The Marion County Land Development Code requires one parking space for every four seats. The applicant has proposed approximately 66 seats, requiring 17 parking spaces. The site had previously been used for retail. Staff concluded the application isn’t consistent.