The Orange County Commission granted special exception approval for the Rex Groves RV Park on Nov. 19, ending months of deliberation. The decision reduces the proposed number of campsites from 249 to 199 and includes several conditions designed to address community concerns.
The project, located at 5872 Rex Drive in Winter Garden within the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement, was proposed by Robert Ziegenfuss, with support from Old Florida Groves leaders Preston Hage and Jake Schrimsher. The approval also requires specific measures, including road improvements, operational restrictions, and physical enhancements to the site.
Key conditions include limiting campsite stays to a maximum of 28 consecutive days, with no more than 56 total days per year. Permanent residency will be prohibited. Amenities such as a quiet pool and dog park must also adhere to setback and fencing requirements, while usage of the park’s facilities and events will remain exclusive to overnight guests.
The applicant also agreed to install a six-foot-tall opaque fence along the western boundary and curbing for right-turn-only exit lanes. Additionally, fireworks, sparklers, off-road vehicles, ATVs, and golf carts on public roads will be prohibited. A staff presence will be maintained on-site 24 hours a day, with secure after-hours access provided.
The project must also preserve and maintain the site’s pine forest, citrus grove areas, and agritourism activities in good condition. Improvements to surrounding roads, including Avalon Road, Summerlake Park Boulevard, Porter Road, and Tilden Road, are part of the approval conditions.
The proposal drew mixed reactions from Lake Avalon Rural Settlement residents. The proposal faced concerns about the size of the campground and potential traffic impacts due to its proximity to Disney World. Mayor Jerry Demings also raised additional concerns about water and wastewater services for the project, requiring the applicant to return to the commission with a resolution for these issues.
Laurie Forrester also emphasized the balance it strikes within the rural context. “While an agritourism facility coupled with a campground may sound counter to this goal, I believe this is one of the best uses for this parcel compared to the other permissible agritourism options that would not require [a] special exception,” Forrester said, as reported by Orange Observer on December 3.
