A proposed RV glampground project in the serene coastal fishing community of Ozello has ignited a heated debate among residents and stakeholders.
As per a report, despite the developer’s efforts to reduce the project’s scale, concerns persist among locals who believe it poses a significant threat to the delicate wetlands and would disrupt the tranquil ambiance of their cherished coastal haven.
Fishcreek Glampground & Ramp, the brainchild of the developer, has recently submitted a revised plan to the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission (PDC) ahead of their crucial meeting scheduled for Thursday. The revised proposal now seeks 32 RV lots, 16 luxurious glampsites, and 20 traditional camping areas spread across 16 acres of land situated off South Fishcreek Point.
In a commendable nod to environmental preservation and mitigating congestion, the latest plan includes the addition of an access driveway to the campground. Furthermore, the sites adjacent to the delicate northern wetlands have been earmarked exclusively for traditional camping, while stringent adherence to the county’s setback requirement of 35 feet has been ensured for the RV site along the canal and wetlands.
However, despite these adjustments, deep-seated concerns continue to plague the community. Foremost among them is the apprehension that tourists driving their imposing RVs down the already narrow roads would irreversibly alter the quiet coastal way of life, drowning the area in an unwelcome cacophony.
Evidencing their dissent, numerous residents have passionately expressed their objections through form letters, which have flooded the inboxes of the commissioners. They emphasize that an RV park of this magnitude is ill-suited for the fragile coastal marsh ecosystem, harboring fears of irreversible damage.
Earlier this year, residents rallied at a PDC meeting, fervently hoping that the review board would acknowledge their concerns. To their relief, the board voted 5-2 to deny the request for rezoning and changes to the land use designation. Nevertheless, the developer’s attorney, Clark Stillwell, successfully petitioned for a postponement of the final authority hearing, citing the need for additional time to submit a revised plan with lesser intensity. Consequently, the matter was redirected back to the PDC, triggering another crucial round of deliberations.
Within the community, opinions diverge regarding the potential impacts of the proposed project. Gary Bartell, owner and fishing guide at Ozello Keys Marina, stands in firm opposition despite acknowledging that the RV park could potentially generate substantial business opportunities. “My stance is for the betterment of our community and not business-related,” he emphasized, underlining his commitment to the community’s values.
In contrast, Josh Wooten, CEO and president of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, views the project as a splendid opportunity for ecotourism enhancement, filling the existing void in overnight accommodations. Wooten expressed his optimism, stating, “A glampground sounds like a perfect fit,” while urging county commissioners to recognize the project’s wisdom and value, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the tourism plan if they fail to do so.
In response to residents’ concerns, the developer has taken to their Facebook page, addressing each voiced objection meticulously. In their latest post, the developer endeavors to dispel fears of road congestion by asserting that once the campground reaches 80 percent capacity, approximately 24 RVs would be present on the roads daily. They further clarify that during both peak and non-peak hours, there would be an average of two RVs per hour distributed throughout the day.
The fate of the controversial RV glampground project now rests in the hands of the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission.
As they convene at 9 a.m. tomorrow, May 18, in Room 166 of the Lecanto Government Building, the commission faces the weighty task of balancing environmental concerns with economic opportunities and the desires of the local community.
The outcome of their decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of Ozello.
Let’s chat about the RV glampground project in Ozello. The developers are stepping up with eco-friendly solutions to ease community worries. It’s cool to see them working with stakeholders to strike a balance between economic growth and preserving Ozello’s natural charm. What do you think about this?