A married couple, Jeremy and Courtney Fortner, are facing an uphill battle to build a professional-level motocross training facility in Astatula, Florida. While they acknowledge noise concerns and express a desire to be good neighbors, they also see this as an opportunity to create a valuable resource for aspiring professional riders in Central Florida.
Facing Community Concerns:
- The Fortners received mixed feedback during a public meeting, with most residents expressing concerns about noise pollution.
- They are open to compromise and willing to limit operation hours to weekdays, focusing training on mornings before most residents are home from work.
Addressing the Need for Elite Training:
- The facility, named “Fort Training Facility,” would offer elite-level training for aspiring and current professional riders.
- The Fortners believe Central Florida’s climate, land resources, and proximity to a major airport make it ideal for motocross training, but a lack of suitable facilities exists.
- They argue that public tracks are not suitable for professional training due to the difference in skill levels.
Navigating the Approval Process:
- The proposed facility would be located on a 52-acre property with plans for three supercross tracks and one motocross track.
- The purchase of the property is contingent on obtaining the necessary zoning and permits.
- This proposal comes after a similar motocross facility proposal near Leesburg was rejected by Lake County officials due to noise concerns from nearby residents.
The Fortners are determined to find a solution that addresses community concerns while meeting the needs of professional motocross athletes in the region.