Save Our Rural Areas also fights to keep development in the county within the urban growth boundary. Tim Gant, the group’s president, got involved when his home was threatened by the development of a subdivision.
Marion County should protect a unique resource: its horse farms
Busy Shires
The month of April has been designated as Farmland Preservation Month by the Marion County Commission. There are over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County and the mineral rich soil is the perfect grazing land for horses.
As a result, the county has one of the largest horse populations in the United States with over 80,000 horses. That’s one horse for every four people! With the opening of the World Equestrian Center, the number of horses in Marion County will only continue to grow.
Along with the growth of the horse industry, Marion County was one only six counties in the nation that had positive job growth during the pandemic. Projects are underway to add 5 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space over the next few years. And where there are jobs, there must be housing to support the growing workforce.
Troy Burns Family in Concert: Gospel singers and musicians Troy and Tammy Burns, along with Ethan McNelly and Jacob Whisnant, will present an evening of gospel music beginning at 7 p.m. April 16 at College Road Baptist Church, 5010 SW College Road in Ocala. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A $10 donation is requested at the door; masks are required. Call 237-5741 for details.
“Before I Die”: The City of Ocala, in partnership with Hospice of Marion County, presents an interactive art project through April 19 at Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St., Ocala. As a part of National Healthcare Decision Day, volunteers from Hospice of Marion County will be onsite Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to facilitate conversations about mortality and adding meaning to our daily lives. Thanks to passionate people around the world, more than 5,000 “Before I Die” walls have now been created by communities in more than 75 countries. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. 629-8447 or ocalafl.org/culturalarts