Florida – A new entertainment complex may come to Ocala’s World Equestrian Center.
Marion County leaders are reviewing plans to bring multiple sports fields, indoor sports facilities, new restaurants and additional hotel rooms to the facility north of State Road 40.
The project is in its early development stages, but Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano is one of many people currently supporting the project.
“Depending on what sport you are in, it really touches something for everyone,” Marciano said.
The Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Concept Plan shows that the project will include multiple outdoor fields that can be used for baseball, soccer and basketball, as well as an indoor arena where you can host graduation ceremonies, concerts and ice hockey.
Marciano told Channel 9 that he believes the project will meet the needs of the community.
“We are considered a desert of sports facilities. If the kids in our community, they have to travel to Gainesville or Tavares, if they want to participate in the tournament, think of the single mothers who are trying to do the job,” the mayor said.
Marion County resident Melissa Billings told Channel 9 that she recalled the long days she had guided her now-grown children into far-reaching sports practices. Billings believes the project will provide the necessary alternatives for children in Marion County.
“They don’t have anywhere else to play, they expanded as much as they could,” Billings said.
The project developer asked Marion County to increase the existing limits for hotel rooms from 1,350 to 1,650. Removes existing restrictions for the facility’s concert.
A Marion County spokesperson said the project is currently being reviewed by the Planning Zoning Committee and that it will be May 19th when the project will be held for discussion within that committee.
Marciano considers the development to attract visitors to the area as the county is currently reviewing the concept plan considering possible impacts on nearby roads.
“I think this is a victory because it would benefit local businesses and tax revenue,” the mayor said.
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