OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended denial of a special use permit for a local micro-distillery during its July 28 meeting, citing noncompliance with the county’s land development code and comprehensive plan. The issue now moves to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

Background on the Business

Jacquelyn Brady owns Fish Hawk Spirits, an artisanal micro-distillery operating since 2012 on a 2.13-acre property zoned general agriculture at 16350 SW 20th Lane in Ocala. The special use permit application was submitted by David Molyneaux, seeking to continue the same use.

Although the request is technically a renewal, the prior special use permit granted in 2021 expired in December 2024.

County Staff’s Concerns

County staff recommended denial due to ongoing noncompliance:

  • No building permits exist for current structures.
  • A major site plan, required within 30 days of the 2021 approval, was never submitted.
  • Public tours and tastings continue on the property, raising safety concerns about unpermitted buildings.

Marion County planner Kathleen Brugnoli explained that the site allows public tours, meaning citizens are entering buildings that haven’t been properly permitted. She said this was a major concern for staff.

Expired Use and Missed Deadlines

Brugnoli noted that the condition requiring a major site plan was granted in 2021 but had still not been fulfilled as of 2025. She emphasized that this ongoing lack of compliance was a significant concern for staff.

Updated Permit Conditions

The planning board’s recommendation included updated conditions that:

  • Set a new expiration date of Aug. 18, 2030
  • Require completion of a site plan within 45 days of approval
  • Require submission of building permits within 90 days

If either requirement is not met, the special use permit would be automatically revoked.

These are the same conditions from 2021, with the two new time-based automatic revocation clauses.

Applicant Response

Molyneaux acknowledged prior confusion over whether the site plan needed was major or minor and noted the cost difference between the two. However, he said communication with the county has since improved.

  • He expressed intent to bring the business into compliance.
  • He also requested clarification on the need for a food permit.

Environmental Context

The property lies outside the urban growth boundary and falls within the Primary Springs Protection Overlay Zone, which adds another layer of regulatory consideration.

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