Residents of Blades County voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed amendment and rezoning applications submitted by Bayshore Farms for a 62-acre mining site located northwest of the Westlake School. Community members expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on local property values and the environment, citing past mining-related disasters in the Crescent Acres area as a cautionary tale.

One resident highlighted that the current situation could have been avoided had county officials provided clear guidance on zoning regulations before the land was purchased. The speaker emphasized that the lack of communication from Glades County officials allowed the buyer to proceed with the expectation that mining operations would be approved, despite the land being zoned for agricultural residential use.

Diane Quigley, another resident unable to attend the meeting, submitted a statement opposing the rezoning, asserting that while she supports growth in the area, she does not want a mining operation to disrupt the community. She urged the county to consider the majority's will rather than catering to a few interests.

The meeting also included discussions about a draft ordinance aimed at regulating mining operations in Glades County. Currently, there is no specific code governing mining approvals, which are handled as special exceptions. The proposed ordinance aims to establish clearer guidelines for mining operations, following input from the Planning and Zoning Board and public comments.

The Board of County Commissioners is expected to hold a second public hearing on the proposed mining regulations on August 26, 2024, before making a final decision. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of land use and community development in Blades County.