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Highlands County approves land‑use change for private airstrip near Placid Lakes
Summary
The Board adopted an ordinance and companion zoning resolution to change a 13.36‑acre parcel from medium‑density residential to agricultural, allowing a privately operated paved airstrip for small, hobby aircraft; board and neighbors pressed the applicant on safety, noticing and water/fire infrastructure.
Highlands County commissioners voted Nov. 4 to amend the county’s future land‑use map and official zoning atlas for a 13.36‑acre parcel in Placid Lakes, clearing the way for a privately operated paved airstrip limited to small engine and hobby aircraft.
Planner Rachel Navarette said the applicant requested the future land‑use change to Agriculture (AU) and that the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Dana Riddell of Stonehenge Land Development Consultants, representing HTFL Inc., told the board the use would be private, limited to small planes and that precise operating hours and conditions will be set by the Board of Adjustment at a Nov. 12 hearing. “This is a hobby airport,” Riddell said, adding the paved strip would replace an existing grass landing area nearby.
The board and members of the public asked detailed questions about proximity to homes, public notice and emergency facilities. Commissioner Krista Roberts asked whether residential properties were notified; Riddell said staff mailed notice to roughly 57 surrounding property owners and no letters of objection were received. Frank Youngman of Highlands County Planning and Zoning clarified that the vote taken by the board was to change the future land‑use designation only, not to approve airport operations.
Questions about fire protection and potable water also came up. Property owner Von Hathaway said water infrastructure and hydrants are already on or adjacent to the site and that the applicant would complete required commercial reviews; he said a certified well and hydrants are in place to address fire‑safety concerns.
Commissioner Scott (S20) moved to adopt ordinance 25‑26‑02 (CPA 25646) to amend the future land‑use map; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The board then adopted companion resolution 25‑26‑015 (PNZ 2182) to rezone the parcel from R1A to AU.
Next steps include the Nov. 12 Board of Adjustment hearing, where conditions of operation — including hours, aircraft types and any required safety measures — will be established. Staff and the applicant said those conditions will be part of the public record and subject to the county’s standard review and compliance processes.
