Kissimmee approves one-year MOU with developer to study former municipal golf course

The Kissimmee City Commission unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding on a proposal from the Kissimmee Airport Development Company (KADC) to study redevelopment of the former Kissimmee Municipal Golf Course on airport property.

Mayor Jackie Espinosa called the motion and the commission voted in favor after a presentation from Sean Jarmilla, the city’s director of aviation, and remarks from Hector Lewis Wayne, CEO of KADC. Jarmilla said the MOU would allow the developer to pursue a phased, private-funded due diligence process so the city would not incur early costs. As Jarmilla put it, the MOU would allow "a due diligence period where they have the ability to do surveying, geotechnical services, environmental, put some conceptual plans together for stormwater management, utilities" to determine whether the site can be made pad-ready.

The property described by KADC's presenter is roughly 129 acres on the southern portion of the Kissimmee Gateway Airport, formerly used as a golf course. Hector Lewis Wayne outlined a phased schedule beginning with a topographic and boundary survey he said would take 60–90 days, followed by site design and site engineering; he estimated the initial site-planning work would take about three to four months. Wayne identified several team members and contractors who would perform surveys, environmental reviews and engineering.

City staff and commissioners questioned timing, the MOU’s term and the newly formed company structure. Staff clarified the MOU’s term is one year from the effective date and stressed that, during the due diligence period, "there's no cost to the city," according to Jarmilla. Commissioners and staff also discussed the site’s infrastructure needs: water, sewer, roads, storm drainage and electrical capacity. City staff noted that FAA approvals and the airport master plan (most recently adopted in January 2024) shape what is allowable on the airport property.

Supporters said private investment could bring the infrastructure needed to attract aviation and aeronautical businesses and create jobs in the tourism and industrial corridor. Opponents and cautioning commissioners noted that executing an MOU could invite competing proposals and that detailed due diligence and federal approvals would still be required before any commitments or development agreements.

The commission approved the MOU by voice vote, with Commissioner Jeanette Martinez recorded as the second. The MOU will allow KADC to begin surveys and design work and return with findings and recommendations; the commission did not approve a development agreement or specific expenditures at this meeting.