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Residents plead with Volusia County Council to block Creek Crossing development near Spruce Creek
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Volusia County Council that a proposed 130‑home Creek Crossing development would worsen flooding, harm wetlands and wildlife, and encroach on the Spruce Creek watershed — an Outstanding Florida Water. Several speakers urged purchase via Volusia Forever and warned of litigation under state OFW protections.
Dozens of residents urged the Volusia County Council on Sept. 4 to reject a proposed Creek Crossing housing project in Port Orange, saying development would worsen flooding, destroy wetlands and threaten the Spruce Creek watershed.
"Spruce Creek floods. If this unique bridal land falls prey to overdevelopment, the stormwater doesn't disappear," said Jill Gallup, a longtime Spruce Creek resident. Multiple speakers noted Spruce Creek's listing as an Outstanding Florida Water and argued the site acts as a critical stormwater sponge for Southeast Volusia.
Speakers described repeated flooding during recent storms and showed photos, saying paved development would push runoff into neighboring roads and homes. "These developments are only going to add to the problem," Tomoka Farms resident Paul Holmes said, urging the council to preserve protected lands. Several speakers said the proposed plan calls for a 30‑foot‑wide bridge and would remove large tracts of old‑growth oaks and wetlands.
Environmental and business voices also warned of legal risk if the county approved a project that would degrade an OFW. Brian White, a local landowner and organic grower, told the council that "allowing degradation of Spruce Creek would not only violate state law but would also set a dangerous precedent" and said he was prepared to pursue relief under state statutes.
Others raised airport safety and compatibility concerns: Ellie Marsh said the development would be built underneath Spruce Creek Fly‑In's final approach path and could prompt future noise complaints and conflicts. Residents also asked the council to consider buying the land through Volusia Forever or other conservation financing to protect drainage and habitat.
Council members did not vote on the project at the meeting. Staff said the Creek Crossing application remains in an incomplete or review status and, depending on the developer's final submittal (including whether it seeks a conservation subdivision), would move through the county's PLDRC and/or county council public‑hearing process.
The council has said it will consider code changes to Chapter 72 later in the meeting; multiple public speakers connected that zoning rewrite to fears the project could be streamlined through administrative processes. The developer has not yet received final approvals; decisions about rezonings or PUDs would follow the county's formal land‑use review process.
Next steps: if the developer files a complete PUD or conservation subdivision application, it will proceed through technical review and public hearings as required by county rules. Residents who raised complaints at the Sept. 4 meeting said they will continue to organize and work with staff and legal advisers to monitor the process.
