Kissimmee commission approves land‑use change to permit Mill Slough fire station after resident concerns about park and flooding

The City Commission of Kissimmee on Aug. 20 adopted a land‑use amendment to change the future land‑use designation of a parcel at the northeast corner of Mill Run Boulevard and Mill Slough Road from recreation to institutional to allow development of a new fire station.

Staff presented the amendment as a comprehensive plan change compliant with the city’s plan under Florida law and said the proposal will develop a fire station adjacent to an existing park while leaving the public park in place. After public comment and staff responses, the commission voted 5‑0 to adopt the ordinance.

Resident concerns: Kimberly Lawrence, a Dogwood Court resident, told the commission she and her neighbors have lived in the area more than 25 years and expressed “hesitant support / confusion / non‑support” of the land‑use change. Lawrence said the existing open park is important to neighbors and raised three principal concerns: (1) whether the park would be protected if the parcel’s designation is changed for the entire parcel; (2) perceived noise from fire station operations and its potential effect on property values; and (3) stormwater and flooding in the neighborhood, which she said had caused local flooding during Hurricanes Ian and Irma and could be worsened by greater impervious surface.

How staff replied: City Manager Mike and Development Services staff told the commission the park itself will remain and that one basketball court on the site will be relocated to Quail Hollow Park. Staff clarified the site is currently being used as a temporary laydown and staging area for repaving and utility work; it is not site development for the fire station. The manager said permitting calls for stormwater rate controls and that city staff would meet with the resident to discuss basin‑level flood concerns and possible mitigation. Staff recommended approval after those clarifications.

Commission action: Commissioner Martinez moved to adopt Ordinance 31‑21 amending the future land‑use designation; Vice Mayor Angela Eady seconded. The clerk recorded a 5‑0 roll‑call vote in favor.

Ending: City staff said they will follow up with the resident on stormwater and flood‑mitigation options and that planned park improvements include replacing removed amenities and adding sidewalks and lighting to enhance safety.

Speakers relevant to the item included a Development Services presenter (staff), City Manager Mike, and Kimberly Lawrence (resident). Commissioners voting on record were Commissioner Ortiz, Vice Mayor Angela Eady, Commissioner Alvarez, Commissioner Martinez and Mayor Espinosa.