OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners will consider a request from an applicant for a modification to a zoning classification regarding the Margaritaville RV park planned for the Citra area at a public hearing at their Feb. 17, 2026, meeting at 2 p.m.

The owner is 8M Holdings LLC, and the applicant is Fred N. Roberts, Jr., Esq. Klein & Klein, PLLC. The change would be from planned unit development RV Park with private amenities to a planned unit development RV park with public amenities, with a limited increase in height allowance for a 145-foot waterslide amenity. The height limit for all other structures will be 40-feet.

The public hearing is in regard to 8M Holdings, LLC, Zoning Change request for a modification of planned unit development to revise the existing plan text to delete the language proposed convenience/store/laundromat/hair salon. The convenient store will serve the Oakwater Village development only. The change would also add that RV parking spaces may be used for vehicular parking for guests or employees to enable potential non-RV use and public guest access for RV park features and amenities.

The subject property parcel size is 140.91 acres. The site address is 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road, Citra.

On Jan. 26, 2026, the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request.

The site is currently under development and is located on the east side of NW 45th Avenue Road, with the main area of the site located approximately 0.25 miles north of W. Hwy 318. The site adjoins the Grand Lake RV Resort to the west, with the Ocala Jai-Alai Fronton & Card Room located west/southwest. The site is outside the urban growth boundary, in the Farmland Preservation Area, in the Silver Springs Secondary Springs Protection Zone, and in Marion County’s NW regional utility service area. The site’s current PUD was approved in 2017, and the project master plan, and subsequent major site plans have proceeded through the development review process, and development of the site has been underway with opening of the facility anticipated in early 2026, according to Marion County Staff, who recommended approval with conditions.

Staff recommended approval with conditions of the applicant’s request because it is consistent with LDC Section 2.7.3.E.2, which requires that granting a rezoning will not adversely affect the public interest, that the rezoning is consistent with the Marion County Comprehensive Plan, and that the rezoning is compatible with land uses in the surrounding area.

Staff analysis recommended that the planned unit development should be developed with up to 490 RV Park lots and/or park model lots with recreational and community amenities. The developer/operator may enable use of the RV Park’s recreational and community amenities for non-RV Park lot occupants that are consistent with this planned unit modification consideration and approval.

However, there is fierce opposition to the proposed RV Park from a nonprofit that serves as an area watchdog against development impacting area horse farms on rural lands, particularly in the Farmland Preservation Area. Horse Farms Forever disagrees with the staff’s recommendation.

They oppose the application rezoning modification for three primary reasons:

  • The proposed increase in the intensity of the approved uses
  • The change in the intent and character of the approved development
  • It’s inconsistent with the Farmland Preservation Area Comprehensive Plan Policy 3.3.1: Elements of Rural Character 

“Imagine stepping outside to feed your horses–and finding a full-blown Margaritaville themed RV park with extensive water rides, restaurant, bar, and live entertainment,” read a release from Horse Farms Forever. “This change of use from a quiet RV park to a Margaritaville themed RV park and water park is incompatible with the rural community of Orange Lake, surrounding horse farms, and the Farmland Preservation Area.”