By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@VoiceofSouthMarion.com
In the Orange Blossom Hills subdivision of Summerfield, a community with a rich history of rural life, residents are rallying to save a trio of cherished residents – goats named Dinky, Winky, and Kinky. The popular goats are now facing eviction at the hands of Marion County Code Enforcement.
The Orange Blossom Hills subdivision, which began in the 1970s and spans both sides of Highway 441 in Summerfield, is known for its friendly atmosphere and surrounding farmlands.
Steve Fredriksen, a long-time resident, was stunned to receive a letter from a Marion County Code Enforcement officer demanding the removal of his goats. Despite having lived harmoniously with multiple generations of goats for 18 years without any prior complaints, Fredriksen now faces a daunting obstacle: a $1,000 non-refundable fee to apply for a special use permit. This hefty fee, which is required upfront regardless of whether the permit is approved, has been described as a barrier that seems unfair given the goats’ positive impact on the community. For the many passerby’s in Orange Blossom Hills, Dinky, Winky, and Kinky aren’t just goats. They’re lovable rock-stars that can be seen frolicking through front yard obstacles that Fredriksen has created for them. They’re a breath of fresh air on otherwise mundane daily commutes.
A fourth goat at the residence, Stinky, was tragically lost in recent months as the result of a lightning strike.
The zoning code in the area, currently R-1, does not permit goats, but this was an issue that had not previously been enforced, or had gone unnoticed by local code enforcement officials for nearly two decades. The code enforcement officer, who noticed the goats and an alleged turkey during a routine drive-by, filed a self-initiated complaint, resulting in the sudden citation. In an amusing twist straight out of a sitcom, the turkey the officer observed was likely not real, but rather a plastic lawn ornament turkey that sits in the Fredriksen property and has remained unmoved for five years.
To resolve the situation, Fredriksen must apply for the special use permit, present his case, and likely attend a hearing where both supporters and opponents can voice their opinions.
Some residents are voicing their frustration, arguing that the county’s focus on the goats is misplaced. They believe that the code enforcement officer should instead address more pressing issues in the community, such as unsightly conditions like “garbage piled high” and “tent cities and RVs”, as well as other general examples of dilapidation and blight that can be found throughout unincorporated Marion County. Many neighbors said they feel those problems are more detrimental to property values than the presence of Dinky, Winky, and Kinky.
Many might wonder how the goats, proudly displayed in a front yard since the days of George W. Bush’s presidency, went unnoticed for nearly two decades and are now suddenly on code enforcement’s radar. One Orange Blossom Hills resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, believes he might have the answer. “I’m thinking maybe the code enforcement guy lives in the neighborhood now,” the source speculated. “I started noticing him a few months ago. Saw him today, I passed him on the main road about 30 minutes ago.” This could indeed explain the sudden scrutiny on the goats.
A Change.org petition supporting the goats had already gained 185 signatures in just a few days, reflecting the strong community backing for keeping them. A “Help Save the Goats: Support Needed” Gofundme page has also been established, to hopefully raise the $1,000.00 needed to apply for a special use permit.
The Orange Blossom Hills community remains hopeful that they can navigate this challenge and preserve their cherished residents.
What is the name of this code enforcement guy?