Hernando commissioners approve rezoning for private golf club after hours of testimony; developer to donate five‑acre fire site, report annually

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted Nov. 4 to approve a rezoning request from agricultural to a planned development district (file H2420) for a 292.2‑acre property near Lake Lindsay Road to allow a private golf course and a small cluster of on‑site cottages.

The board’s approval was conditioned on a set of enforceable commitments from the applicant, including an annual community‑benefits report to county staff; a maintenance agreement for any decentralized wastewater systems; water‑quality monitoring language tied to forthcoming state rules; and a requirement that the master plan include the presentation and commitments made on the record.

The project proponent, represented by Coastal Engineering and counsel Daryl Johnston, told the board the plan envisions an 18‑hole golf course (about 110 acres of maintained turf), eight cottage structures allowing up to about 68 overnight…