Neighbors, Horse Farms Forever pack county commission meeting to oppose multi-pump fueling station eyed for Farmland Preservation Area.

Home » Government

A routine request to continue a hearing on a proposed RaceTrac convenience store and big-rig truck fueling station in Sparr turned into an extended Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) discussion before a packed audience on Dec. 19 as lawyers for three sides debated the nuances of due process and whether the request had sufficient “good cause.”

The board ultimately voted 4-1 for the continuance until March 19, but not before one commissioner labeled one lawyer’s reasoning for the delay as “flat-out bogus.’’

Attorney Rob Batsel, representing the applicant who wants to build the project in the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA), gave a three-pronged argument. First, his key witness was not available; next, that since 2010, Marion County has always allowed a continuance at first request; and finally, that the county’s traffic data wasn’t available for his team to analyze.

“Making me move forward today without a witness, with that data, under the circumstances that I’ve just described, is a violation of procedural due process. And it is not good policy,” Batsel stated.

Commission Chair Michelle Stone countered with, “How long has it been since you knew you were coming back here today?”

Batsel replied, “Eleven days ago, we requested the continuance.”

The Planning & Zoning Commission heard the request at its Nov. 27 meeting and recommended the BOCC deny it. The staff report showed the BOCC hearing was slated for Dec. 19.

Commissioner Carl Zalak said Batsel’s lack of a key witness was not sufficient good cause to delay the proceedings.

“I’ve done a lot of these,” he said, acknowledging that sometimes lawyers and witnesses are unable to attend a meeting. “But … if people really want that person to testify, and (they are) not be able to call in, to Zoom in, do something to get their data or information to us. Quite frankly, in today’s world, I’m not sure there’s an excuse for someone not being able to show up. Why can’t we Zoom him on in?”

Commissioner Kathy Bryant, however, was sympathetic to Batsel’s position.

“In fairness to all, there’s never been a moment that I’ve been sitting on this dais, even with a packed room … that an applicant has asked for a continuance and we haven’t granted it,’’ she said. “We just did it for the Jumbolair project.”

County Attorney Guy Minter then discussed due process, good cause and cautioned the board about having to go to court over the issue. There was also discussion about Signal Four Analytics, a software system the county used to develop traffic information. The program is proprietary and the database cannot be shared with outside parties, such as developer’s attorneys.

The discussion went on for nearly 30 minutes, and Bryant ultimately asked Minter, “As the board’s attorney, what would you recommend the board do?”

Minter said, “Based on what I’ve heard … they would suffer potentially an injustice by” not being able to present a full case to the board. “It’s better to grant the continuance.”

Zalak responded with some vehemence.

“I think some of these attorneys take advantage of these continuances,’’ he said. “With all due respect, the witness thing is just flat-out bogus. These are professionals, this is a huge company.”

He went on to mention that the project itself wasn’t being changed into “some revolutionary plan that the applicant is putting forward. I have a hard time with that. We’ve got a lot of people in the crowd, we got a ton of emails. I think that due process outweighs the fact that they (the applicant) can’t get their person on Zoom. “

The crowd erupted into applause at that point, and Stone reminded the audience to maintain decorum.

Zalak was the only dissenting vote in the 4-1 decision. Bryant and Stone both stated that this was the only continuance that would be granted for the application.

Passionate public comment

The RaceTrac hearing initially drew more than 90 audience members, with over two dozen signed up to speak to the board. The project also received 61 pages of emails in opposition. Once the continuance was voted on and announced, many audience members left but several remained to address the commissioners.

Their concerns focused on the intersection of County Road 329 and the US 301/441 merge and it already being dangerous; the mix of horses close to big trucks; the nearness of the schools; and the lack of demand for more gas stations. Two people, both of whom are related to the property owner, spoke in favor of the project. Both mentioned the property rights of the parcel owner and the ability to use and profit from their investment.

Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, spoke passionately against the RaceTrac project.

“Obviously, we’re opposed to this project and there’s no such thing as a rework,’’ he said. “The applicant had all these months to get ready. We all know that. Let’s not kid each other. I totally agree with what Commissioner Zalak said, and I’m glad he had the courage to say the right things.

“Your Growth Services and your Zoning has said no,’’ Powell continued. “I don’t know what else you need. On the surface, this is just a noncompliant, inappropriate, disrespectful, disruptive and destructive use and development of the Farmland Preservation Area. Below the surface, it sets a dangerous precedent that would allow developers from far and near to come and do the same thing.”

Bernie Little, president of Horse Farms Forever (HFF), pointed out that the online agenda and printed one provided at the meeting read, “Continued until March 19, 2024.” He questioned whether it was a predetermined decision and asked the commissioners and staff about how the wording.

Little said this type of error, implying that the continuance question was already decided before the meeting, makes people “distrustful of government. This doesn’t sit well.”

Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub took responsibility for the error, saying the staff had not used proper terminology and promising it would not happen again.

Growth Services staff are explicitly not permitted to allow a continuance; those requests are only granted by the BOCC after an applicant shows good cause. The board reiterated this policy multiple times during the discussion.

In contrast, during the Dec. 5 BOCC planning and zoning portion of the meeting in which the Jumbolair project was slated to be heard, a Growth Services staffer announced the “postponement” of the hearing, and based on review of the video, the board did not take a formal vote.

That hearing, too, was so crowded that Stone admonished people to either sit down or listen to the proceedings from the lobby. Once that continuance announcement was made, the majority of the Jumbolair audience left the hearing. At the end of that meeting, the board decided on Feb. 20 as the new hearing date.

An email query to Minter and Stone for a more detailed explanation about the differences between the two hearings and the votes for continuances received no response by press time. The “Gazette” was told Minter was out of the office for the holidays and would not be available for comment until early January. The “Gazette’s” request for emails pertaining to the Jumbolair postponement is in progress, according to county Public Relations Manager Stacie Causey.

HFF opposition received before and after meeting

After becoming aware of the Batsel’s Dec. 4 request for continuance, on Dec. 8, HFF sent a letter opposing the request for continuance that read, in part, “Horse Farms Forever and many Marion County residents have already made arrangements to be present at this public hearing. Horse Farms Forever requests an opportunity to speak in opposition to the requested continuance (separate from and in addition to speaking in opposition to the Rezoning Application).”

In an emailed statement to the “Gazette” after the hearing, the group maintained its opposition: “Horse Farms Forever looks forward to presenting competent and substantial evidence that the application to rezone the parcel located deep inside the Farmland Preservation Area from agricultural to an intense commercial use fails to clear any of the legal hurdles for rezoning as the proposed use is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, not compatible with surrounding properties, and adverse to the public interest.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The Plains and Mississippi Valley will have several days of severe weather risks. Scattered to widespread storms are expected Thursday through Sunday, all of which will be capable of becoming severe.

A low pressure system will develop over the central Plains on Thursday, strengthening throughout the day. A cold front will be associated with this low pressure system, which will be dragged through the southern half of the Plains. Warm and very moist air will be funneled northward ahead of the low pressure and cold front, while colder, drier air will be filtered in behind it. The collision of air masses will be where strong to severe thunderstorms form late Thursday into Friday morning.

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has already issued an Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for Thursday’s threat. This covers south-central Kansas and western Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle, and includes cities such as Dodge City, Kan., and Woodward, Okla. A larger Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, is in effect from south-central Nebraska, most of Kansas, central Oklahoma and portions of the panhandle, and into western Texas. This includes cities like McCook, Neb., Colby and Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City and Lubbock, Midland and Abilene, Texas.

The main threats associated with this threat will be large hail and severe wind gusts exceeding 55 mph. A few tornadoes also cannot be ruled out. With this also being an overnight threat, be sure to be vigilant and aware when it comes to receiving your severe weather information.

This system will likely have ongoing severe weather threats through Friday morning before eventually dying out. There may be another threat for severe thunderstorms due to the moist, unstable environment for central Iowa south to east-central Texas for Friday afternoon and evening. Similar threats of large hail and damaging winds along with a few tornadoes will be possible.

Another developing system is expected to strengthen Saturday over the High Plains and with a sharp divide between a warm, moist air mass and a dry air mass, severe weather is expected to fire. The Dallas area northeast to northern Missouri could all be targets for severe activity. As this fresh system pushes east, its trailing cold front will provide yet another chance for severe weather for the Midwest and Mississippi Valley on Sunday.

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today’s severe weather. Remember, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Capital Group, Inc. ("Heritage"), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the US and worldwide, is pleased to announce that its client, Sparr Building & Farm Supply ("Sparr" or the "Company"), has been purchased by Nation's Best.

Continue Reading

Sparr Building & Farm Supply is a family business that has served customers in Central Florida for more than seven decades. The Company has four stores that blend the best characteristics of a lumber yard with a farm and ranch store. The Company's "one-stop-shop" experience makes it easy for customers to pick up livestock feed, animal nutrition products, fencing, lumber, lawn and garden, pet supplies, building materials, paint, and many other products. The rich equestrian history of Ocala, Florida also led Sparr to develop expertise in horse fencing and products.

Nation's Best is one of the country's fastest growing independent home improvement companies. Sparr will join Hall's Hardware & Lumber and Panhandle Lumber & Supply in Florida as Nation's Best extends its presence in the Southeast. As part of Nation's Best's strategy, Sparr Building & Farm Supply will maintain operations under its existing name with its key leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation's Best, which will provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability.

Heritage served as the exclusive financial advisor and intermediary to Sparr Building & Farm Supply. The deal team included Bill Nicholson and Doug Kravet.

"Doug and Bill had the perfect combination of M&A and real estate deal experience that we needed," commented Sam Howard and Paul Howard, owners of Sparr. "They helped us navigate a complex transaction and keep our team well-coordinated as we tackled both big and small issues. Looking back, it's hard to imagine completing this transaction without them."

Heritage Capital Group provides objective advice to private companies in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, business valuations, debt and equity capital raises, corporate restructurings, and financial and strategic advisory services focused on enhancing the value of business enterprises. Heritage Capital Group is a FINRA registered broker-dealer, and a member of Oaklins, the world's most experienced mid-market M&A advisor, with 850 professionals globally and dedicated industry teams in 45 countries worldwide.

Media Contact:Katie Quackenbush904-354-9600337900@email4pr.com

SOURCE Heritage Capital Group

Nation’s Best, the Dallas, Texas-based hardware and building supplies dealer, has acquired Sparr Building and Farm Supply.

Sparr Building and Farm Supply, operates four locations northwest of Orlando. The company joins Nation’s Best’s other Florida banners: Hall’s Hardware & Lumber and Panhandle Lumber & Supply, both located in the states Panhandle region.

“With two other Nation’s Best-owned stores already in Florida, the expanded presence that comes from Sparr Building and Farm Supply gives us a very strong foothold in the state,” said Chris Miller, president & CEO of Nation’s Best. “Their well-earned reputation as a one-stop-shop for farm supplies, hardware, and lumber is something we can learn from and build on in our other locations. And their best-in-class operational excellence and inventory management processes will strengthen our entire organization. We are excited to bring over 150 new employees to the Nation’s Best family who share our aligned culture and core values.”

As Sparr’s owners Paul and Sam Howard were planning to retire, the brothers sought out a partner who would value and continue to hone the best practices that drove them to become the largest farm and horse fencing supplier in the state, Nation’s Best said.

“The Nation’s Best team has shown us they see the importance of honoring the Sparr brand and our commitment to the communities we serve,” Paul and Sam Howard said in a press release. “Our family and our staff have committed their lives to delivering with excellence. We’re confident that our partnership with Nation’s Best will allow us to build on these accomplishments and grow the business even more in the region.”

As part of Nation’s Best’s strategy, Sparr Building and Farm Supply will maintain operations under its existing name with its key leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation’s Best, which will provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability.

“I’m proud that the Howard family has put their trust in us to build on the great traditions they’ve established. And we’re pleased to have the family’s involvement continue, with Sam’s son Chris overseeing the Sparr division within Nation’s Best, and Chris’ wife Kandis continuing to contribute to various functions within the company, including operations, human resources, and recruiting,” added Miller.

Nation’s Best is a member-owner of Do it Best and operates about 30 locations. Financial terms of this acquisitions were not disclosed.

Earlier this year, the dealer acquired Weiss Do it Best Lumber of Perryville, Ark. and Woodland Building Center in Springville, Ariz.

From selling groceries to fencing and feed, change has been constant

It's not easy staying in business for seven decades. Especially when you are a purveyor of farm and building supplies and new businesses such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Tractor Supply and Rural King keep popping up. And when the economy tanks — more than once — in those 70 years.

Sparr Building and Farm Supply, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, has succeeded through lean and boom times and has an eye toward keeping the family-run business around through the next generation of Howards.

Sam Howard is the president of the business; his brother Paul is vice president. Sam said they are "equal partners" but he earned the title of president by being the oldest.

In addressing the challenges of staying in business all these years, he said, "We've never been afraid of competition. In the short run, like when the first Home Depot opened in Orlando, people lost business in Marion County. With Rural King coming to Ocala, we will likely lose some business. But when the newness wears off — same with Tractor Supply — pretty soon people realize the ones that provide great service.

"You have to bring your 'A' game or go out of business. And when the weaker ones go out of business, we get a bigger piece of the pie."

***

The business was started in 1945 when Elbert M. Griggs returned home from World War II. His father bought a small grocery store for him on the southeast corner of what is now the intersection of County Road 329 and Jacksonville Road in Sparr. Elbert and his wife, Mary Howard Griggs, ran the store.

In 1947, Mary went to Tallahassee to visit relatives. Her husband was tired of dealing with food spoilage and converted the store to carry hardware and building materials instead. He named it Sparr Farmers Supply. Needless to say, Mary was quite surprised when she returned.

Before long, Edgar Wellhoner, who grew up "across the river" from Elbert Griggs — meaning Wellhoner lived in the Ocala National Forest on the other side of the Ocklawaha River from Griggs — began working at the store. Wellhoner remained an employee well into the 1990s. During this time, the business grew to be one of the largest in Central Florida. Goods were brought in by truck and rail, and many homes were built with supplies bought at the business.

Sam Howard said that from the mid-1960s to 1981, the business declined due to labor costs, competition and the recession of the early 1970s. Sometime in the late 1960s, his uncle changed the name to Sparr Building and Farm Supply.

In 1981, W.T. Howard, Mary Griggs Howard's brother, acquired the business. He and his wife, Ruth, offered their sons Sam, Tim and Paul the business in exchange for "sweat equity." The young men accepted the challenge.

Sam Howard said they immediately added inventory and remodeled the store. The two employees, Wellhoner and Rudy Thurman, were given raises.

In 1982, the movie company filming "Cross Creek" set up an account and became one of their best customers for about a year.

"They happily bought anything and everything that was old and out of date, which helped us to profitably clean up old inventory and bring in fresh stock," Howard said.

He said that relationship led to doing business with subcontractors working with Arthur Jones, who was building Jumbolair in Anthony. The property required substantial fencing — one of the business's specialties, then and now — to contain the elephants, reptiles and other exotic animals Jones brought in.

"We earned their loyalty," Howard said.

And speaking of animals, when some loggers found an orphaned baby squirrel in a downed tree in 1983, they brought it to the store. Wellhoner built an elaborate cage with runs that went around the ceiling. The squirrel became "quite an attraction for years," Howard said.

It was in 1984 that Jackie Beard came to work with the company. He is from a long line of Beard family members who have attended schools in north Marion County, a number of whom were exceptional athletes. Beard, who is black, was a member of the first integrated class at North Marion High School. Each year during Black History Month, he visits area schools on company time to share his history and talk with students about changes over the years.

"When I started here, I was fresh," Beard said with a wide grin. "I didn't know what a 2 by 4 was, but they gave me a chance."

Beard is well known to many longtime customers and is quick to help new ones. His history as an employee overlaps personal interactions with members of the Howard family, such as officiating at the marriage of Sam Howard and his wife.

"I always feel like I'm part of the family," Beard said. "We have had lots of good times."

"He is a loyal and beloved employee," Howard said.

It also was in 1984 that the Howards decided to host the first Sparr Spring Wing Ding.

"We started the festival to increase sales, but after the first year realized that so many people showed up we had to close shop and focus on the event. By the third and final year, we had bands on two stages, a parade that included ugly-truck contestants, games, carnival rides and Holly the Trolley taking people back and forth to Reddick," Howard said.

In 1987, employee Nell Lowe came on board. That also was the year the company became a partner with Sparr Elementary. Howard said he believes that continuing relationship is the longest of its kind in the county.

Recent charitable endeavors include providing materials to help create the West Ocala Community Garden. Howard said that over the years the company has given more than $1 million to support local organizations.

Sam Howard is a board member of the Marion County Farm Bureau. The organization's more than 4,500 members represent agriculture locally from raising beef cattle to peanuts to marketing. The bureau is one of the largest of the 63 that make up the Florida Farm Bureau, the state's largest general agricultural organization.

"Marion County Farm Bureau is an example of the old 20/80 rule, where 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. The folks that volunteer their time with community organizations, like Farm Bureau, are part of those 20 percent that make things happen," said President Todd Dailey.

"Sam and Sparr Farm and Building Supply are very supportive of the rural community. Marion County Farm Bureau is one of the many avenues that Sam has elected to show his/their support," Dailey added. "I don’t recall how many years he has served as a county director, but he has participated with many local board activities and is our go-to guy when we are in need of supplies for an event. His knowledge about our local farms, farmers, commodities and concerns, is a big plus when it comes to understanding the issues facing our local ag community."

***

Tim Howard decided in 1988 that he did not care for the retail business, Sam Howard said, and moved his family to California.

Around this time, plans began to unfold to build a new store and warehouse across the street. It was completed in 1990.

"Over the years, we’d acquire properties contiguous with ours as they came on the market," Howard said. "Our current footprint is a consolidation of about 14 pieces of real estate."

Expansion soon became the watchword. In 1999, the Howards bought the Williston Feed business and turned it into the second Sparr outlet. The next year, they built the store that currently exists. In 2001, they built an additional warehouse and lumber shed for the store in Sparr. And, two years later, they bought Hatchers Feed in Wildwood, which became the third Sparr outlet. They also bought a tract of land one mile west to build a "dream store."

In 2004, they expanded the Williston location. Three years later, they opened a 30,000-square-foot facility on 14 acres on a busy highway just off of Interstate 75 in Wildwood.

By then, the company had 165 employees. As the Great Recession kicked in, however, things got rough. Howard said at one point they were down to 80 employees. The current roster is 125.

"When we took over in 1981, there was only Scotty's. We competed with Seminole and Gold Kist up the street in selling feed. Over the years, we had to adapt to changes in laws, such as with septic tanks and creosote," he said.

Technology also changed how the business operates, including the recent launch of an online store.

On the horizon is the possible addition of a fourth store and renovations to the property in Williston.

Howard said he attends the annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Georgia each year, which has generated a lot of business. They also do business internationally, which started when the late Leroy Baldwin, a noted local cattle rancher, organized a number of international activities.

Howard's son and daughter-in-law work in the business, which, he said, is "presently the largest independent feed and agricultural fence dealer in the southeastern U.S."

How they got there required a lot of hard work, abiding by the Golden Rule and changing to meet ongoing challenges, he added.

"Look in the rear view mirror and you will see the road is littered with people who did not adapt to change," Howard said.

Contact Susan Smiley-Height at 867-4121 or susan.smiley-height@starbanner.com.

Powered By