Wonderfield Farm faces scrutiny over non-agritourism events and potential zoning violations

The Code Compliance Special Master Hearing held on September 18, 2024, in Citrus County, Florida, focused on the ongoing concerns regarding the use of a property known as Wonderfield Farm. The meeting was marked by discussions surrounding the classification of events hosted at the farm and whether they align with agritourism regulations.

The hearing began with a presentation highlighting various events advertised on Wonderfield Farm's website and social media. The speaker pointed out that the farm is promoting rental spaces for events, including the butterfly tent and magnolia tent, which are available for public use. Concerns were raised about the barn on the property, which has been converted into an event space accommodating up to 200 people. The speaker noted that this space had not been inspected for compliance with local regulations.

A significant point of contention was the nature of events like "Wonderfest 2023," which was described as a wellness and musical camping experience. The speaker argued that such events do not fall under the definition of agritourism, which is intended for activities directly related to bona fide farm use. The discussion included a back-and-forth exchange about the definition of agritourism, with the speaker asserting that many of the events hosted at Wonderfield Farm do not meet this criterion.

As the hearing progressed, participants exchanged documents and opinions regarding the legal definitions and implications of agritourism. The dialogue indicated a need for clarity on what constitutes acceptable farm activities under county regulations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the provided materials and definitions to ensure compliance with local laws.

Overall, the hearing underscored the complexities of zoning and compliance issues related to agritourism in Citrus County, highlighting the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of agricultural properties for commercial events. Further discussions and potential follow-up actions are expected as the county seeks to address these concerns.