Laura Laporte, the founder and owner of LaPorte Farms, a well-known petting farm in Sebastian, has passed away.
She established the 5-acre, non-profit (501(c)3) farm in 1994 out of her lifelong love for animals, having grown up on a farm with cattle, goats, chickens, and horses.
The farm, located at 7700 129th Street, houses a variety of animals, including typical farm residents like goats and ponies, as well as more exotic ones like zebras, llamas, and a camel.
LaPorte Farms has often described as “Sebastian’s best-kept secret” and is designed to be handicap-accessible, reflecting Laura’s personal commitment to inclusivity—stemming from her own experience with muscular dystrophy and use of a wheelchair after a severe car accident in 1999.
Laura’s journey with the farm began with a mobile petting zoo she ran with her late husband, David, in the 1990s, bringing animals to schools and nursing homes. After her accident, she used a court settlement to develop her property into a permanent sanctuary where people could visit the animals instead.
Despite significant health challenges—including a stroke in 2015, the loss of a kidney in 2016, and extended hospital stays—she remained a positive, community-driven figure.
She hosted events like Fall Festivals, Christmas celebrations, Easter egg hunts, and a fishing tournament for children.
Her resilience and dedication earned her recognition, such as being voted Woman of the Year by the Sebastian Rotary in 2011 and 2012.
LaPorte Farms is reportedly on the market with an asking price of $1.5 million.
