[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6258442,"mediaKeyId","3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18","parentId",3148237,"title","Commission approves planned‑development overlay to allow agricultural use on 16.22 acres","audioSeconds",165,"startMs",2149000,"endMs",2314000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18&start=2149&end=2314","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18/thumbnail_2149000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258442/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Commission-approves-planneddevelopment-overlay-to-allow-agricultural-use-on-1622-acres","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258442-4c3da4d83d01d7ae3f5bd950e1420339/orig.mp4?Expires=1776641293&Signature=MIp5JwDvArvuQczfnFZqjxdMUl7ylwkPWJaV-b9g-Lu1mEWXurpLBM7Ri8azYidclmcjn-TuL8sy2ecSkl4vR0NEnSRIb8sp3krwQTPvV0jrWuC5QCLaEWWQSdQaYGORUkD3bycqar8RWlSqsAYiPutuEF1qOOVQHOwyUbh~1Q9NdDZ6Q5Hpu02bESHZCQu6qfMsShpCLzQOu6td0niJMYi2U5MXKvQKkMZCBiBHmHQmar-7laEbb4sB90TFPWhcsLTLR-rTcslkqLo0k8m4takhk009sAeb40Rntjee4BAKmdErb3JrRQEm1l42fO165UZJ1CgwPtaxi42ulGc0OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Leesburg, FL","date","2025-04-29T11:01:41Z","article","The Leesburg City Commission voted April 28 to add a planned development overlay (PDO) to an R‑1A single‑family residential zoning district for about 16.22 acres on the south side of County Road 48, allowing agricultural uses on the site.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning director, told commissioners the city does not currently have an active agricultural zoning district and that the PDO would allow the owner temporary agricultural uses that are compatible with surrounding properties. Miller said staff reviewed the proposal and “found no negative impacts on the surrounding properties are anticipated.”

Owner John McGee spoke in support and said he and his wife bought the property to preserve a rural area. “We don't intend to build anything on the property. I'm 80 years old,” McGee told the commission, and asked that the application be approved to keep the land rural.

The commission voted by roll call with Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Connell, Commissioner Peterson and Mayor Alan Reisman recording yes votes; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions.

Why it matters: The PDO creates a local mechanism to allow agricultural activity where the city lacks a formal agriculture zoning district, enabling the owner to use the land for agriculture rather than immediate development.

What’s next: The PDO is effective following adoption; any future non‑agricultural development would require separate zoning or platting actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Leesburg Commission Meeting LIVE April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved a planned development overlay to permit agricultural uses on about 16.22 acres on the south side of County Road 48; the owner said the intent is to keep the parcel rural and not develop it.","taxTitle","Leesburg City, Lake County, Florida","taxId",4692,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6258447,"Commission approves annexation and rezoning of 1.22-acre parcel east of U.S. 27",226,1889000,2115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18&start=1889&end=2115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18/thumbnail_1889000.jpg","/articles/6258447/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Commission-approves-annexation-and-rezoning-of-122-acre-parcel-east-of-US-27","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258447-387053a06ba8276cb1e0b788dfa2e398/orig.mp4?Expires=1776641293&Signature=dIAYVLleTYqP0aZVP1ti5HGXP33vgO6uGFVulWp1yVhSlPgEMxXMd9agTiuG8kpmBG2kwF-JDl4KUR54p68kUhsIMgJc4g6eXx6l9WdHltN3TOYuv92071sA1e3p2A0ijLNC3rPHyZ82X3G8La1uD0dtyj0vNoVX5BGQZLKBhklmdx39JSItNAh-KNHo49V9N04SEtD7MD-e1CVQCUtstlZpKmBLuDkclvky-Rni8BGX9moaSlkCdAaUiKwaQP0ZXc4jzpaDPZrjtRmQ~437DJa7kHFMlGfvhQ7qsQk9LqrFxezNjTc71jom~3mUnhPzUrnRkfzi94vfED92PLRdFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg City Commission voted April 28 to annex and rezone a 1.22‑acre parcel located east of U.S. Highway 27 and south of Howard Road.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning director, said the request included annexation, a small‑scale future land‑use amendment from Lake County Urban Low to City General Commercial, and a rezoning from Lake County neighborhood commercial to City C‑3 Highway Commercial. Miller said the applicant intends to develop a 3,000‑square‑foot warehouse at the site and that standard site‑plan and permitting review will apply.

The commission voted by roll call with Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Connell, Commissioner Peterson and Mayor Alan Reisman recording yes votes; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions.

Why it matters: The change places the parcel under city zoning and comprehensive-plan rules and allows highway‑commercial uses that were not permitted under the county’s prior designation.

What’s next: The applicant will proceed with site‑plan review, building permits and required retention and drainage work under city standards.","The commission approved annexation, future land‑use change and rezoning of a 1.22‑acre property east of U.S. 27 and south of Howard Road; the owner plans a 3,000‑square‑foot warehouse.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6258452,"Commission hears extensive public opposition, lays over Old Mill PUD annexation and rezoning to June 9",2548,2459000,5007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18&start=2459&end=5007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18/thumbnail_2459000.jpg","/articles/6258452/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Commission-hears-extensive-public-opposition-lays-over-Old-Mill-PUD-annexation-and-rezoning-to-June-9","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258452-2016a97cb776626fb79d701c4e724c34/orig.mp4?Expires=1776641293&Signature=nZ9GNk2MbWf7JKBmAMqqxAXNglPykLTVlJXWnkLZdkjmoih3U-9TpVDhNgkEOP87bWVw4cCKGBvjivddorGAhmCHYy5g5I74t8kEGv~Gj2x~CnmhDZDTOwxvQQ2-Z8SkTzYR4~8q7W7W~FxwSKI9D0XYMVgfXcHoi-8sW0UbxuoSSa~p9YCCzRvayVWUJkRpTdk-jUep5aWLN56dzsonStBkPnqB~z7XNFXIUGh6PU64r6T-G6-wvNhNe6KYc91Fbo7Mz4kyAP-8BuPciUaib3KIMcuS07aHQdhSn1ibBmf8Svm1BO~uFJKPAVhv3r8gvzdy8SJucBRGwTgM9K7Fng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg City Commission on April 28 held first reading on a proposed annexation and planned unit development known as Old Mill, a 37.48-acre project that would add 142 single-family units and townhomes, and postponed final action until its June 9 meeting.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning director, told the commission the proposal would annex the property east of Radio Road and north of U.S. 441, change the future land use to City Estate, and rezone to a PUD to allow 110 detached single-family homes and 32 attached townhomes. Miller summarized the PUD standards: lot sizes include 67 lots at about 6,000 square feet and 43 lots at about 7,200 square feet, a required 35% open-space minimum, a minimum 28,400-square-foot recreation area, dark‑sky lighting standards and an 8‑foot masonry wall proposed along the access road.

The applicant, Logan Opsal of Lowndes Canner, said the proposal would cap density at four dwelling units per acre — lower than county allowances — and acknowledged the property has limited legal access and extensive wetlands. Opsal said the project team had considered alternative access options and would “work with the residents” but that, at present, the parcel the applicant owns provides the only clear route. He said the developer would “continue to diligently pursue alternative access points” and work with permitting agencies on wetlands mitigation.

More than a dozen residents spoke in opposition. Angela Chambliss, who lives in unincorporated Leesburg, told commissioners the project’s proposed road would be raised to meet flood rules and “they’re sitting on our back patios and our pool decks,” saying the project would reduce privacy and depress property values. Other speakers raised similar concerns about increased runoff, wetlands filling, noise and the maintenance of dual retaining walls.

Several residents and speakers suggested alternative access routes closer to Radio Road or across privately owned strips near the mall that the applicant said are not currently available to them. The applicant acknowledged the alternatives had been explored and said one county parcel is not for sale and that a judicial remedy (an easement by necessity) could be pursued but would be “not preferred by anybody.”

Commissioners and staff noted additional reviews are required by the St. Johns River Water Management District and Lake County Public Works, which has requested left- and right-turn lanes and additional right-of-way. At the close of debate, the commission agreed to lay the item over to June 9 to allow more time for the applicant to pursue alternative access and for staff to review outstanding permitting and right-of-way issues.

Why it matters: The project would change county land to city jurisdiction, add 142 homes and require wetland permitting and new off-site roadwork. Neighbors said construction could worsen flooding and reduce privacy for adjacent subdivisions.

What’s next: The item is scheduled for continued review at the June 9 commission meeting; city staff said any administrative changes would require subsequent site‑plan review and permitting.","Neighbors raised flooding, wetlands and access concerns over a proposed 142‑unit Old Mill subdivision; the commission held first reading and agreed to lay the item over to June 9 for further review and alternatives on access and mitigation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6258457,"Leesburg commissioners unanimously oppose House Bill 1221 limiting local-option taxes",62,1401000,1463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18&start=1401&end=1463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148237-e2877f034953d7c6be8c96198a883f18/thumbnail_1401000.jpg","/articles/6258457/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Leesburg-commissioners-unanimously-oppose-House-Bill-1221-limiting-local-option-taxes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258457-0ceaea35b0fabada18a38762119efc0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776641293&Signature=Fzk7hFYl4LiOhQNYPbAf821wlpUUKKFWBtTPliEjfCYJn~908brwXqxKk1pgpMaGa0FguxwAeqGbvay3LmLP45QOOm0E0XHk01ucPMmQfTTaVT0H-iKlRcV0un7XmoWkyheHstf8Mc-fJ7B~hMZ65AruCnFwWCHwaQofcOJYIjGYlL8feIX714SbNJMN~Lx3SCovulZz2iOjRyPhkS1gCp518dHj8jT7d~kD3Qr6VSFwW6TkuC45GhdOARr4bGzAc95--m-6yiFwPLgkDzs--3iDCcQ8mfNqQfswYT6Lt9szL7m8dJtOq7Qd-c9jnd0F636~cVoNBxCjAwatZ1uS8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg City Commission on April 28 adopted a resolution expressing strong opposition to House Bill 1221, a proposal that city staff said would restrict the use of local-option taxes, including tourist development taxes and discretionary local sales surtax.

City Manager Hal, speaking to the commission after the resolution was introduced, said the bill “seeks to limit local option taxes,” and warned that the change would affect revenues cities use for capital projects. “Those revenues are significant for our capital improvement projects,” Hal said, citing past local projects funded with tourist development dollars.

The resolution was prompted by concern that the proposal — which Hal said was moving through the Legislature — could shift or eliminate funding streams local governments rely on. Hal said the measure touches the “penny sales tax” and local-option gas tax and specifically targets tourist development tax revenues collected on hotel stays and distributed by local tourism development councils.

Commissioners discussed next steps, and Hal encouraged officials and residents to contact state lawmakers. He noted his office has been coordinating with the city’s lobbyist and local delegation on related legislation. The commission voted by roll call with Commissioner Peterson, Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Connell and Mayor Alan Reisman voting yes; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions.

The resolution will be forwarded to the governor’s office and the city’s state legislative delegation, according to staff.

Why it matters: Leesburg officials said local-option tax revenues fund roads, parks and tourism projects; changes at the state level could restrict the city’s ability to finance capital improvements.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and maintain communication with the city’s lobbyist and local representatives.","The Leesburg City Commission adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 1221, which city staff said would limit local-option taxes including tourist development and local gas taxes and could reduce revenue for local capital projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves planned‑development overlay to allow agricultural use on 16.22 acres

Commission approves annexation and rezoning of 1.22-acre parcel east of U.S. 27

Commission hears extensive public opposition, lays over Old Mill PUD annexation and rezoning to June 9

Leesburg commissioners unanimously oppose House Bill 1221 limiting local-option taxes