The Hillsborough County Planning Commission on Jan. 12 voted 6–2 to find HCCPA 25‑01, a privately initiated comprehensive plan map amendment for 2002 West Highway 60, consistent with the county comprehensive plan and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners.

Planning staff recommended the change be found inconsistent, saying the proposal to reclassify roughly 9.5 acres from Residential‑1 to Suburban Mixed Use (SMU‑6) would alter the rural development pattern, raise residential density (from 1 to 6 dwelling units per acre) and double potential nonresidential floor area (approximately 103,000 to 206,000 square feet). Staff cited objectives and policies intended to preserve agricultural character in the rural area and to require compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.

The applicant, attorney Todd Pressman, told commissioners the property is used by a family trucking and agriculture‑support business that regularly serves the Plant City Farm and Flea Market. Pressman argued the county’s agricultural chapter (objective 5.1 and related policies) prioritizes agriculture and agriculture‑support uses in rural areas and said nearby uses and truck‑route designations make SMU‑6 appropriate. He said prior hearings and outreach produced no written opposition.

Commissioners debated the prior remand from the Board of County Commissioners and whether policy citations support the applicant’s proposed intensity. Commissioner Kona moved to find the amendment consistent, citing objective 5.1 and related policies; Commissioner Linkus seconded. The roll call vote was Bowden (Nay), Cardenas (Aye), Kona (Aye), Coogler (Nay), Lankes (Aye), Lauck (Aye), Seben (Aye) and Joseph (Aye). The motion carried 6–2.

Next steps: the commission’s consistency finding will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners, which will make the final decision. The staff report and agency comments remain part of the record and will be considered by the governing body.