LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The proposed rezoning of 1,424 acres within the Emeralda Marsh Rural Protection Area has sparked significant concern among residents and conservationists. The marsh, a federally designated National Natural Landmark, is a critical natural resource for Lake County, supporting a diverse array of wildlife habitats and providing essential ecosystem connectivity to the Ocklawaha River system and Ocala National Forest.

The area in question, known for its complex floodplain forest and agrarian heritage, is currently a mosaic of wetlands, pastures, and floodplains. It plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, water filtration, and serves as an important bird rookery. Residents fear that plans to develop over 800 gated-community homes, restaurants, golf courses, yacht clubs, and marinas would irrevocably damage this sensitive ecosystem.

Critics of the rezoning proposal argue that the introduction of a golf course and marina would lead to harmful pollutants entering the Ocklawaha River through runoff, including fertilizers that could cause algae blooms downstream. Pesticides, chemicals from boat cleanings, fueling operations, and other discharges could also negatively impact fish populations and water quality.

Local residents, particularly in the nearby rural communities of Ocklawaha and Weirsdale, depend on the marsh’s wetlands for groundwater, which is their primary source of water. The marsh has been the focus of hydrologic and ecological restoration efforts, most recently in 2016. Opponents of the development argue that bulldozing a significant portion of this area, especially near the river’s mouth, would undo years of conservation work and threaten the region’s environmental health.

In 2011, all current sitting county commissioners and members of the Planning & Zoning Board agreed to a plan that prioritized protecting areas like Emeralda Marsh.

Residents are urging Lake County officials to consider alternative development sites away from ecologically sensitive areas. They propose repurposing deteriorating and abandoned buildings within the county instead of disturbing the vital wetlands.

Lake County citizens are calling for prompt attention to this matter and consistency in their leaders’ values, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Emeralda Marsh for future generations. Residents will have a chance to voice their opinions at some upcoming meetings on September 4th and October 1st.

Another project development in the area has made its way to the planning and zoning committee, asking for a 1,600-unit development.

Here’s what the Planning and Zoning report says:

Developer: William (Bill) A. Ray, AICP, representing May and Whitaker Family Partnership, Ltd., Quality By Design Inc., and James M. Watson.

Location: North of County Road 452 and South of Lake Yale in the Grand Island area, Lake County, Florida.

Size: Approximately 208.56 acres

Proposed Changes:

• Future Land Use Change: The developer is proposing to amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to change the Future Land Use Category (FLUC) from “Rural Transition” to “Urban Low Density” for approximately 208.56 acres.
• Zoning Change: The proposal includes rezoning the land from “Agricultural” to “Planned Unit Development” (PUD).

Planned Development:

• Residential Units: The development plans to include a total of 1,600 residential units, broken down into:
  • 1,150 active-adult residential units.
  • 450 single-family and multi-family units.
• Commercial Space: The development will include 100,000 square feet of commercial space.
• Recreational Facilities: Associated recreational facilities are also part of the proposal.

Community Design:

• The PUD is designed as a multi-modal community with a high degree of walkability.
• Golf carts will be permitted on neighborhood streets and primary roads within the community but not on County Road 452.
• All streets within the community will be publicly owned and maintained, potentially through mechanisms like a Community Development District (CDD), Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU), or Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU).

Key Elements:

• The development will feature three distinct neighborhood districts—Core, Proper, and Edge—based on Traditional Neighborhood Development principles.
• A significant portion of the property will remain undeveloped to provide open space and help reduce future conflicts with adjacent rural areas.
• The community will offer exceptional views of Lake Yale, and conservation measures will be implemented to protect the natural resources on-site.

The proposal is scheduled to go before the Board of County Commissioners on September 3, 2024.

Photo Credit – St. Johns River Water Management District