In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a request for a special use permit in the Anthony area of Ocala, aimed at allowing the parking of four commercial tractors and five flatbed trailers on a 15-acre site primarily designated for agricultural use. The request comes after the applicant has been operating without a valid permit since 2021, significantly expanding their operations from the previously permitted one tractor and two trailers to at least five tractors and multiple trailers.

The site, surrounded by residential and agricultural properties, has a history of special use permits, with the last one expiring three years ago. Concerns were raised regarding several violations associated with the site, including the installation of an unpermitted fueling station and the addition of impermeable surfaces that could impact local stormwater management.

Officials highlighted that the fueling station, which is currently using highway diesel fuel—prohibited for agricultural land—lacks necessary permits and safety measures, such as a containment system and spill kits. The fueling station has been rigged to operate on car batteries, raising further safety concerns.

Additionally, the increased vehicular traffic has reportedly caused damage to local infrastructure, prompting discussions about the need for a durable access road. The request for the special use permit is essentially for establishing a logistics hub for a trucking company, which must meet specific regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with local zoning laws and environmental standards. The committee is expected to deliberate on the implications of this request in the coming weeks.