OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Commerce has raised objections to a submission by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners that would grant the World Equestrian Center’s parent company wide-ranging special exemptions for the development of its planned sports and entertainment complex through a comprehensive plan amendment.
After receiving and reviewing the proposed comprehensive plan amendment, which included comprehensive plan amendments, in August of this year, the department has recommended actions Marion County could take to resolve its concerns regarding a lack of adequate supporting data and analysis. Some areas the department deemed lacking included the availability of water supplies, public facilities and services as required in Section 163.3177 (a) (b) and (c), Florida Statutes.
Marion County can choose to go ahead and adopt the amendment as is, adopt the amendment with changes, or not adopt the proposed amendment at all following a second public hearing. The county received the department’s report on Oct. 3, 2025; by law, the second hearing to adopt the comprehensive plan must be held within 180 days of receipt of the report, or the amendment will be summarily withdrawn, unless an extension is granted with the department’s agreement…