The Good Mood Ranch in Collier County is facing a potential shutdown after county officials ordered the family-run ranch to cease operations.
The ranch has been a weekend escape for local families over the past two years. It offers children the chance to meet rescued animals and learn about farm life.
According to ranch visitor Lilly Ballard, "Ranches, like petting ranches, like zoos, like this. I feel like it's a good experience for kids, and there's not a lot in Florida."
The Goemaere family, the ranch's owners, have been given 60 days to comply with the county's order or face significant fines. County records indicate the ranch violated zoning rules and lacked necessary permits, with code enforcement citing the owners at least five times over the past three years. While most of these cases are now closed, a recent complaint involved allegations of animal abuse. The owners, however, assert that the animals were rescued and a licensed veterinarian declared them healthy.
"We rescue baby cows that we bottle feed, and the milk is costly so that we can make money on these calves," said Luc Goemaere, owner of Good Mood Ranch. "That's why we do this agritourism, to support the farm, because on that rescue calves, we're losing money, but we love them."
Goemaere expressed concern over developers eyeing his land as he navigates the county's restrictions. The Goemaeres hold USDA farm certification and believe they are zoned for agriculture, maintaining hope for a resolution that allows them to continue operations.
For now, the future of the Good Mood Ranch remains uncertain as the case progresses.