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Commission approves Jack Crum Road land‑use change over resident objections, 4‑1
Summary
The Wakulla County commission adopted a comprehensive plan amendment to change a 30.42‑acre parcel on Jack Crum Road from Agriculture to Rural‑1, allowing up to six units (1 per 5 acres). The measure passed 4‑1 after extensive public comment about sprawl, schools, roads and nearby landfill concerns.
The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners voted 4‑1 to adopt comprehensive plan amendment CPM 25‑04, changing a 30.42‑acre parcel on Jack Crum Road from Agricultural to Rural‑1 land use. The change allows up to one unit per five acres and, for this parcel, a maximum of six dwelling units under the proposed amendment.
Planning staff described the site as 30.42 acres with current future land use of Agriculture and proposed Rural‑1, noting there are flood zone designations and that consultants found no wetlands, karst features or listed species on the site. "The requested rural 1 land use would be consistent with the comprehensive plan and the properties lying to the east and west of the subject property," staff said.
Multiple residents opposed the amendment during the required public hearing, raising infrastructure and environmental concerns. Kenneth Clisby, Chad Smith and David Damon were among those who described the proposal as 'sprawl' and warned of increased traffic, full schools and impacts to the county's natural character. "This is just opening the door for future development…schools are full, traffic is a nightmare," David Damon said.
Several speakers also raised water‑quality and landfill proximity concerns. Alan Lofton told the board there is an existing landfill north of the property and said well samples show elevated nitrates, iron and arsenic; the board discussed evaluation of permits and state oversight. Board members read to the record a Department of Environmental Protection review that found no provisions in the submitted amendment package that would result in adverse impacts under DEP jurisdiction.
The applicant and agent said the immediate proposal is for five five‑acre lots, a 60‑foot paved roadway built to county standards and no intent for higher‑density development. "We're proposing five blocks…Each lot would be 5 acres plus in size," the agent said.
Commission discussion centered on consistency with nearby parcel sizes and the long‑term precedent of altering future land use. After debate, the motion to adopt passed by voice vote, 4‑1.
Outcome and next steps: The amendment was adopted (4‑1). Staff indicated Central water and sewer connections are not currently available on Jack Crum Road and that new septic tanks in the state's basin management area (BMAP) must be nitrogen‑reducing systems; any future permits and construction will follow state and county permitting procedures.
