To the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Parks & Recreation Department, and Other Relevant County Officials:

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, agricultural operators, and members of the Marion County equine community, respectfully ask that Marion County relocate, modify, or cancel the annual Fourth of July fireworks display proposed for Wrigley Fields due to its significant impacts on nearby residential and agricultural properties.

Marion County is proudly known as the Horse Capital of the World, and the proposed Fourth of July fireworks display at Wrigley Fields is located within one of the County's most concentrated equine and agricultural communities. At least three horse farms and agricultural operations are located within approximately just 600 feet of the proposed launch site, and at least three residences are located within approximately 1,000 feet. In addition, hundreds of farms, homes, and countless horses and livestock throughout the surrounding area are within the hearing range of the large aerial fireworks proposed for the event.

The Marion County Fire Marshal has confirmed that the display will utilize 5-inch shells. These large aerial fireworks generate extremely loud impulse noise and bright flashes that can be heard and observed for several miles beyond the launch site. While the closest farms and residences are located within hundreds of feet of the planned launch location, the effects of these displays extend far beyond the immediate vicinity, impacting much of the surrounding equine and agricultural community.

Large aerial fireworks can create serious safety concerns for horses and livestock, interfere with agricultural operations, increase the risk of escaped animals and roadway accidents, and expose nearby residents – who moved to this area because of its quieter, rural environment – to significant noise and disturbances.

We fully support celebrating Independence Day and recognize the value of community events more broadly. However, Marion County already hosts three other county-sponsored fireworks displays on the same evening, demonstrating that these celebrations can continue without placing one of the County's most active agricultural communities at unnecessary risk.

We urge Marion County to relocate the Wrigley Fields Fourth of July fireworks display to a more suitable location or modify it to implement lower-noise alternatives that are compatible with the surrounding farms and homes – which for decades have formed the backbone of this community.

Please join us in calling on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and Marion County Parks & Recreation Department to protect the residents, farms, and equine industry that help make Marion County the Horse Capital of the World.

OUR CONCERNS INCLUDE:

1. LIVESTOCK AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Fireworks can cause severe stress and panic in horses and other livestock. Frightened animals may:

• Run through fences or gates

• Sustain injuries to themselves or injure handlers

• Become separated from herds or offspring.

• Experience elevated stress levels that may negatively affect health and performance.

• Escape onto neighboring properties and public roadways, creating serious hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and members of the public.

Loose horses and livestock pose a foreseeable risk not only to the animals themselves but also to bystanders and motorists traveling near affected farms. Escaped animals can result in vehicle collisions and injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, handlers, and other members of the public. These risks are more concerning in an area characterized by active equine operations and rural roadways.

The risks are especially dangerous for pregnant mares, young foals, senior horses, and animals recovering from illness or injury.

2. IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS

Marion County has long supported agricultural and equestrian activities through policies recognizing the importance of farming and livestock operations. The Florida Right to Farm Act recognizes the importance of preserving agricultural activities and limiting unnecessary interference with bona fide farming operations.

Large fireworks displays occurring near agricultural properties create avoidable disruptions and may interfere with the safe management of animals. The proximity of the proposed launch site raises concerns regarding compatibility with Marion County's longstanding commitment to preserving and promoting agriculture and its internationally recognized horse industry.

3. RESIDENTIAL IMPACTS

At least three residences are located within approximately 1,000 feet of the proposed launch site, with many additional homes located throughout the surrounding area. Residents living near the event will be subjected to significant noise, bright flashes, increased traffic, and other disturbances associated with large aerial fireworks. This is not an urban or even suburban area where there is an expectation among residents that such events may occur. People move to this part of Marion County precisely to avoid this kind of commotion, with the understanding that local leaders will help ensure the wellbeing of their animals and a more rural lifestyle.

4. FIRE SAFETY CONCERNS

Fireworks inherently carry risks associated with falling debris, sparks, and fire hazards. During periods of dry weather, these risks can pose additional concerns for farms, barns, hay storage areas, pastures, and rural properties.

REQUESTED ACTION

We respectfully request that Marion County:

• Relocate the fireworks display to a location farther from residential neighborhoods and active livestock facilities; or

• Replace traditional aerial fireworks with lower-noise alternatives; or

• Implement additional mitigation measures designed to reduce impacts on nearby residents and agricultural operations; and

• Discontinue the Wrigley Fields fireworks display altogether and continue providing Independence Day celebrations through the three other county-sponsored fireworks displays occurring the same evening; and

• Conduct a public review of the impacts on neighboring property owners and agricultural operators before approving future events at this location.

To reiterate, we proudly support the celebration of Independence Day and recognize the value of community events. However, we believe these celebrations can continue while also respecting the needs of nearby residents, livestock owners, and agricultural businesses.

Marion County's agricultural heritage and equine industry are vital components of our community and economy. The planned Fourth of July fireworks display at Wrigley Fields, while coming from a good place, puts them at risk. Simply put, the potential risks to and certain angst it will create among the local community far outweigh the benefits – benefits which can already be enjoyed at multiple other locations in the county.

In conclusion, we believe that, given the close proximity of horse farms and residences to the proposed launch site, the concentration of equine operations in the area, and the existence of three other county-sponsored fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, these celebrations can continue while also respecting the needs of nearby residents, livestock owners, and agricultural businesses.

We respectfully ask county officials to review these concerns and take appropriate action.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Undersigned Residents, Property Owners, Agricultural Operators, and Members of the Marion County Equine Community