In a huge victory for local residents, the Lady Lake community successfully rallied against a proposed development that aimed to transform the beloved Grand Oaks Resort into a sprawling mobile home park, housing over 800 units. After a year of tireless advocacy and community organization, the town’s commissioners struck down the plan, preserving the picturesque landscape and cherished equestrian heritage of the area.

(The beautiful Grand Oaks would have become a mobile home park of over 800 mobile homes.)

Jorlyn Cook Johnson, a leading voice in the fight, exclaimed, “We won!! We’ve been working for a year! It was worth every moment spent. Thank you to this amazing community, my friends and family who helped out, and the Town of Lady Lake Commissioners who heard us!” The victory came after an extensive public session that lasted over five hours, showcasing the community’s determination and passion.

The proposed development had raised concerns among residents who valued the serene, rural lifestyle that defined Lady Lake. Many locals felt that the high-density mobile home community would threaten their way of life, disrupting the quiet environment they cherished. Grand Oaks Resort, known for hosting various equestrian events, has long been a part of the community’s identity. The potential zoning change was met with fierce opposition from those who wanted to protect this unique landscape.

(Grand Oaks is a beautiful place to watch horse competitions and they also host gun shows, eqestrian shows and training. )

Greg Beliveau, CEO of the development company LPG, had argued that the introduction of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala had decimated the business of smaller equestrian facilities like Grand Oaks. His remarks, however, did little to sway the passionate residents who were determined to preserve their way of living. For them, the land was not just a site for development but a vital part of their community’s heritage.

Local equestrian enthusiasts and families voiced their concerns, emphasizing the importance of keeping Grand Oaks as a space for horses and outdoor activities. Many expressed their desire to maintain the rural charm of Lady Lake, which they felt was under threat from the push for urbanization.

(The overflow crowd outside of the Lady Lake Town Hall watched on monitors.)

As the commissioners deliberated, community members filled the room to maximum capacity. There were so many people that an overflow crowd had to sit outside watching TV screens. Community members did not hold back and the amount of opposition to the project far outweighed any type of positivity.

In the end, the commission’s decision reflected their commitment to listening to the voices of their constituents. The proposal was officially rejected, allowing the community to breathe a sigh of relief.

The victory at Grand Oaks stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of preserving local heritage. For the residents of Lady Lake, it was not just a win against a developer but a reaffirmation of their commitment to protecting the place they call home. As Jorlyn stated, “This is a victory for all of us, and it shows that when we come together, we can make a difference!”

With the land secure for now, the community has a reason to celebrate. While we are unsure of the future plans for Grand Oaks, it’s something that I am sure we have not heard the last of.