By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@VoiceofSouthMarion.com
In the heart of Summerfield’s Orange Blossom Hills subdivision, a traditionally rural community that has seen a surge of new homes built in recent years, the battle to save three cherished goats has reached a pivotal moment. Dinky, Winky, and Kinky, the neighborhood’s adored goat trio, will soon find out if they’ll be evicted by the hands of Marion County Code Enforcement, just in time for Christmas.
Owner Steve Fredriksen, who has nurtured multiple generations of goats on his property for 18 years without prior complaints, was initially stunned by a code enforcement letter demanding the removal of his pets. The goats faced eviction due to zoning regulations that prohibit livestock in R-1 residential areas, a rule that had gone unenforced at his home for nearly two decades.
“The Marion County Zoning Board has given consent for ‘Save the Goats’ to continue,” Fredriksen recently announced gratefully. “The Special Use Permit has been forwarded to the Marion County Board of Commissioners. That meeting is the most important because they will make the final decision.”
Mark your advent calendars. The decisive meeting is scheduled for December 17th at 2 PM in Ocala. Fredriksen urges all supporters to attend and voice their backing. “If you can attend that meeting, please come and speak up to save the goats,” he emphasized.
Signs with meeting details will be posted on his fence starting December 12th, marking the final push in a community-driven campaign that has seen neighbors rally, petitions circulate, and funds raised to cover the $1,000 non-refundable permit fee. Their hope shines brighter than a star atop a Christmas tree
Dinky, Winky, and Kinky are more than just goats to many Orange Blossom Hills residents. They’re local celebrities, beloved by many neighborhood children. Often spotted frolicking through front yard obstacles crafted by Fredriksen, they’ve been a delightful sight for passersby, bringing cheer to even the grinchiest passersby and embodying the spirit of the neighborhood.
The initial citation raised eyebrows, especially since the goats had been a fixture of the community for nearly two decades. Allegedly, no complaint was filed regarding the goats, they were simply spotted by a Marion County Code Enforcement official during a routine patrol.
The grassroots support has been nothing short of inspiring. A Change.org petition quickly garnered hundreds of signatures. Fredriksen expressed his deep gratitude: “I have appreciated everyone’s support and donations as well as signatures to keep them in the neighborhood. Thanks… Thanks… and more thanks for everyone’s support.”
As the December 17th meeting approaches, the community remains hopeful that the Board of County Commissioners will recognize the unique value Dinky, Winky, and Kinky bring to Orange Blossom Hills. Their fate now hangs in the balance, but one thing is clear: this is
Steve Fredriksen’s goats have become the center of a zoning dispute after a Marion County Code Enforcement officer filed a complaint. Fredriksen was forced to pay a $1,000 non-refundable fee to apply for a special use permit to keep his goats
