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Residents urge preservation of Green Swamp, call for equestrian‑focused economic strategy
Summary
Public commenters told the Pasco County commission they want to protect the Green Swamp, preserve equestrian land and pursue rural economic development rather than higher‑density housing or industrial uses.
Several speakers during the June 3 public comment period urged the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to prioritize conservation of the Green Swamp and to pursue equestrian‑oriented economic development and protections for rural areas.
Nancy Hazelwood said the Green Swamp “figures very prominently” in the Northeast rural area plan and urged the county to slow development in order to protect water resources and the Brooksville Ridge. Cindy Buckle, who said she has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation and has kept horses in Pasco County for decades, told the board she has been forced to move because past development flooded her pastures.
Buckle warned that rising land values have priced many equestrian households out of the market — she cited a range of local prices mentioned in public comment, saying equestrian parcels were “starting at $500,000 for 2 acres up to $2,000,000 for 43 acres.” She urged the county to prioritize larger lots and preserve riding and boarding opportunities rather than permitting dense subdivisions and industrial uses in rural zones.
Ross Yerger (online) raised a separate issue about county communication and a Greenpoint water‑related service that he said stopped unexpectedly; he asked for clearer follow‑up from county departments.
Why it matters: Speakers framed the Green Swamp and the county’s rural areas as distinctive environmental and economic assets (recreation, equestrian activity, water protection). They asked commissioners to consider land‑use choices and infrastructure siting that could affect water resources, rural character and local tourism or equestrian economies.
What the transcript shows: Comments were offered during public comment; commissioners listened and asked questions in later agenda items, but the transcript does not record a board decision to change land‑use or development policy as part of the June 3 meeting.
Ending: Commenters asked the county to take a slower, conservation‑oriented approach in Northeast Pasco and to explore policies that would retain equestrian opportunities and protect water resources.
