Marion County commissioners are looking for the ideal location to build an expanded Animal Services facility that will best serve the local community and the pets waiting for their forever homes.
Earlier this year, the late Larry Roberts and his family decided to donate 137 acres of land in Citra to Marion County Animal Services after learning that the animal shelter’s operations have outgrown the capacity at the current facility, which is located near the Baseline Road Landfill.
The donated land, which includes two adjacent tracts totaling 137 acres and several improvements (residential and barn-type structures), is located to the north of U.S. Highway 316 and south of NW 155th Street to the south, between U.S. Highway 441 to the west and U.S. Highway 301 to the east.
During the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting that was held on March 21, 2023, the commissioners approved the 137-acre land donation, with the intention that the property would exclusively benefit Animal Services.
After the donation was approved, nearby citizens began voicing their concerns, and commissioners ultimately determined that the donated property near Citra is “not compatible with the surrounding area.” As a result, the land is no longer an option for the new Animal Services location, according to a press release from Marion County Public Relations.
According to the county, the donor of the 137-acre property is now considering donating the land to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to provide space for their mounted horse unit and nearly 100 cattle that are currently housed elsewhere.
A proposed memorandum of understanding with MCSO and Marion County would mean that the property would also be used to shelter horses and livestock in the care of the county.
Once it was determined that the location in Citra was not a suitable fit for the new Animal Services facility, the donor of the land offered to donate a 20-acre parcel on State Road 40, which is located near the Ocala International Airport.
Commissioners are in agreement that the State Road 40 location is “more suitable,” and they are considering this new property for a proposed Animal Services facility to house dogs, cats, and smaller animals, according to the county.
While the upcoming Animal Services facility is changing its location, the county states that it has been planning for the facility for “many years.” The county has set aside approximately $2.3 million generated from Penny Sales Tax revenues for the new animal center, and an additional $17.4 million is allocated from future Penny Sales Tax revenues.
Commissioners have instructed county staff to move forward with the initial design and engineering proposal requests that are not site specific while a new location for the Animal Services facility is being sought. According to the county, the goal is to complete the new facility by the end of 2025.
“A new Animal Services facility remains a top priority for the commission, and any one of the new locations will allow Marion County Animal Services to better serve a growing population,” stated Marion County Public Relations.