Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Board approves limited expansion for Neptune27s Grotto after intense public debate over river protections
Summary
After extended public comment and questions about river protections and permitting, commissioners approved Neptune27s Grotto27s PDP clarification: 8 slips (max 5 commercial at any time), one pontoon exception above 14 feet, one existing vintage travel trailer allowed, and day-passes limited to the Neptune brand. Approval included conditions linking continued operations to permits and parking requirements.
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted to clarify and condition recreational uses at Neptune27s Grotto, a small waterfront motel and tourism site on the Weeki Wachee/Mud River, after a lengthy and emotional public hearing.
Jason Soldini, who operates Neptune27s Grotto, told the board the business restored and cleaned up a previously dilapidated property and sought written clarity for boat-rental practices, glamping trailers and day-pass policies. "This request does not involve increasing the number of rental boats," Soldini said, adding the operation27s theme and small-scale rental model are intended to be low-impact.
But the hearing drew numerous neighbors and environmental advocates who argued any expansion of commercial marine activities risks damage to…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
