Apopka panel backs annexation, rezoning to restore tavern at 5118 Plymouth Sorrento Road

The City of Apopka Planning & Zoning Commission on Oct. 14 recommended approval of a future‑land‑use amendment and companion rezoning for 5118 Plymouth Sorrento Road, a 0.41‑acre parcel whose owner seeks annexation and to reestablish a sports tavern.

Bobby Howe, planning manager, told the commission the request would change the site from county rural to city mixed use and, if annexed, rezone it to Kelly Park Interchange Mixed Use with a Village Center overlay — a designation that permits a tavern as a use. Howe said staff and the development review committee recommended approval and described conditions contained in a draft annexation agreement, including construction of a 10‑foot trail, a 3‑foot knee wall and landscape buffer, restriped and enhanced parking, and both pre‑ and post‑taking concept plans related to a planned Orange County right‑of‑way acquisition.

“The annexation agreement says you will do 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 to bring the property up to code,” Howe said, summarizing the improvements the owner would be required to make.

Applicant representative Kelly Turner (LPG Urban & Regional Planners) said the owner intends to provide additional parking in the rear and to link a future trail to nearby Wingspan development. Turner said the post‑taking plan would include about 14 parking spaces and that the property would have improved pedestrian access once adjoining development and the trail are in place. “There is going to be parking added to the rear … and that would be consistent with the transit‑oriented development,” Turner said.

Several commissioners raised practical concerns about whether the isolated parcel currently meets the Village Center’s walkable, mixed‑use vision and whether available parking will support the business. Commissioner Washington summed up the commission’s role: “We are voting on the rules, the land development code,” he said, urging the board to apply the code’s standards rather than private preferences.

Commissioner Dooney moved to recommend approval, saying the application met the comprehensive plan and land development code findings in the staff report; Commissioner Ryan seconded. The commission recorded a 5–2 recommendation in favor of the change and rezoning; staff indicated the same tally applied to both the future‑land‑use recommendation and the rezoning vote.

The annexation agreement and rezoning are actions for the City Council, which is scheduled to consider annexation and the agreement the evening after the planning commission meeting. If the council annexes the property and approves the rezoning, the owner will be required to deliver the improvements described in the annexation agreement and return to the Planning & Zoning Commission for site‑development approvals.

A vote tally and the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council ahead of its consideration of the annexation and associated agreements.