On high alert for what comes next

This is where we are with public anxiety about development in Citrus County.

County Commissioners are receiving a steady stream of emails from folks in Connell Lake Estates, commonly called Lakeside.

Lakeside is a golf club, 157 acres in the middle of a beautiful, well-kept neighborhood north of Inverness. The golf course closed in May.

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Rumors started up immediately that the owner wanted to sell to a developer. Knowing what friends in Pine Ridge have faced with attempts to build homes on the closed golf course there, the Connell Lakes folks have geared up in opposition.

To…what? The property hasn’t changed hands. There is no development plan. Residents are opposed to something that doesn’t even exist yet.

They’re a microcosm of Citrus Countians at the moment. Citizens are on high alert. I don’t recall a more anti-development public mood than what we’re seeing right now.

It’s as if citizens just feel in their gut that someone is trying to make a buck off their backs. And they’re not happy about it.

I know a little about Connell Lakes. It’s an older community off U.S. 41, circa 1980. About halfway between Inverness and Hernando.

Lakeside was a favorite during my golf-playing days. While I haven’t swung a club since using a 4-iron to pitch a snake from the house, it was sad driving through the neighborhood Tuesday and seeing closed, overgrown fairways behind homes.

(A moment of silence for my treasure trove of lost Top Flites on these old links. Probably a golf club or two in the drink. Yeah, and this course was a FAVORITE. Gives you an idea of my golf prowess.)

Well, the golf course goes belly up and what’s left? Depends on who’s answering the question. Neighbors want to protect the open space. Potential buyers want to build homes.

Residents have reason to feel nervous. 

The listing, which one resident was kind enough to include in an email to commissioners, says the property is zoned commercial, but “expected future zoning” is for houses and townhomes.

“This…property presents a prime redevelopment opportunity of a former golf course in Inverness, Florida,” it reads.

Now. You live in Connell Lake Estates. What are you supposed to glean from that?

Putting aside the debate about whether a closed golf course should remain open space for all time, what we have is a snapshot of how Citrus County is viewing new development at the moment.

Here the property isn’t even sold yet and already citizens are up in arms. Whoever buys this golf course with the intention of anything other than divots comes in knowing the neighborhood is already up in arms.

It presents a sticky wicket for county commissioners.

When Commissioner Jeff Kinnard suggested his moratorium idea recently, half the county jumped for joy. He rescinded it and instead wants to focus on preparing for growth. That’s fine, but he put the moratorium idea in the heads of residents who are ready for that yesterday.

The public fallout of commissioners saying yes to any development plan at this point can’t be ignored. That isn’t necessarily fair to applicants, but it’s our political climate. Citizens want to see commissioners go to bat for them against new development.

That’s why Lakeside residents are battling a developer who doesn’t yet exist. They know one is coming. And they’re getting ready.

Have a great Wednesday, friends.

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