Wednesday, December 1, 2010

APPROVED! - The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary

The State's Department of Community Affairs has finally given its approval to the comprehensive plan amendments required for the planned golf course / resort development known as The Reserve at Sweetwater Estuary along Dekle Beach Road and CR-361 (commonly known as the Beach Road).

There is a 21-day period following publication of the State agency's notice, during which time an affected party may appeal the decision. If there are no appeals, the comprehensive plan amendments become official.

Plans include a mixed-use town center consisting of residential, commercial and recreational areas. 127 acres are set aside for the development and 147 acres for the golf course. The resort is expected to create approximately 685 permanent jobs after completion of the project. Several hundred workers will be employed during the construction phase.

Stay tuned!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is not something to celebrate... I am sorry, this is one of the LAST examples old Florida, a very special place left in our state that truly identifies "The Real Florida." It will be the end of all appreciation to the natural workings of the environment. We kill the wetlands, we kill ourselves...Does anyone understand the importance of wetlands?!?!?!?! Seagrasses?!?!?!?! Oysters and it's industry?!?!?!?!

Ann Hodges said...

Studies indicate that this golf course community will have negligible impact on wetlands. The original plan was for a marina development which would have had a major effect on wetlands and was disapproved by State regulators. Thus, all aspects of the proposed development have been closely reviewed by both County and State regulators as well as independent environmental groups to protect our valuable natural resources. Hope this helps.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate your response, however golf courses are NOT environmentally friendly and this one will just be too close to a delicate water source no matter what. Unless developers of this golf course are pledging to landscape with Florida natives and retain from spraying herbicides,pesticides and fertilizers, there is no argument. Runoff of these chemicals most likely are not being taken into consideration when determining the environmental impact. There may be no claimed "runoff" but there will be storm surges that flood the course and wash those pollutants into the gulf. In addition, I have found that environmental groups across all planes can be swayed in their opinion of what can be determined as detrimental if there is enough money involved.

I've just seen too many beautiful and very important natural areas of Florida like this one get buried and forgotten. I'd hate this one to go as well...

Ann Hodges said...

I understand and appreciate your taking the time to post your concerns. I own a home at Dekle Beach and certainly would be concerned about any detrimental impact on our wetlands and seagrasses. I know that potential chemical runoff was one of the issues addressed by the State in the permitting process, so I can only hope that their decision was based on sound judgment. Even though the development has received approval, the rumor mill has it that it may be several years before any development takes place. Thank you again for posting and for you interest in maintaining the integrity of this natural wonderland.

Anonymous said...

Something good has finally come to taylor county. It will bring the needed jobs and improve property values. The state of florida is very protective of it's wetlands so not to worry. This is a win win for everyone. Thomas

Joe said...

Is this development still in the works? When will development start? Also, are there any plans to maintenance dredge the canals at keaton, cedar or dark island.

Joe said...

Is this development still in the works? When will development start? Also, are there any plans to maintenance dredge the canals at keaton, cedar or dark island.