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Planning board recommends rezoning for Ridge Farms site, advancing Okeechobee Trace PD 2026
Summary
The board recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve zoning petition L2025002 to create the Okeechobee Trace planned development (PD 2026) on a roughly 338‑acre tract. Staff characterized the plan as low‑density (under 2 units per acre) with mixed uses, preservation of wetlands and a small neighborhood commercial node; a county public hearing was scheduled at the courthouse.
The Okeechobee County Planning Board on Jan. 27 voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve petition L2025002, a rezoning application from Ridge Farms LLC to establish the Okeechobee Trace planned development (PD 2026).
Bill Royce, county planning staff, told the board the application covers roughly a half‑section of land (approximately 338 acres) and proposes a mix of uses including about 8 acres of neighborhood commercial at the SR‑70/40th Avenue corner, townhomes adjacent to the commercial node and a range of single‑family lot sizes. Royce said the current plan would yield roughly 660 units overall — a density of less than 2 units per acre — and that utilities (water and sewer) will need to be brought in from off‑site before higher densities are developed.
Applicant representative George Missimer of Kotler and Herring presented the master plan and emphasized preservation of on‑site wetlands and open space (he said preserve and open‑space acreage approaches about 50% of the site). Missimer also said the existing Grigsby residence on the parcel would be preserved as a separately sold estate parcel and described a spine road design intended to limit exterior access points and aid emergency‑vehicle access.
Developer Donald Barnes of BFT Development, who spoke from the audience, said the team is aiming for entry‑level housing and described the project as “price conscious,” but noted the final price points will depend on off‑site infrastructure costs to bring water and sewer to the site.
Board members questioned staff about access to State Road 70, coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation on turn lanes, and whether the site would connect to adjacent developments; staff said primary vehicle access is expected on SR‑70 and on Southwest 48th Avenue and that detailed traffic studies will be required in later review phases. Royce also cautioned that certain higher densities would require public water and sewer (either from the utility or an on‑site treatment plant).
A board member moved that the planning board recommend approval of the zoning change to Planned Development Okeechobee Trace 2026; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff announced a second public hearing on the request before the Board of County Commissioners at the Okeechobee County courthouse on a Thursday to be scheduled by the commissioners.
What happens next: The recommendation advances the rezoning to the Board of County Commissioners for formal consideration and public hearings; infrastructure, traffic and utility issues will be evaluated at entitlement and site‑plan stages.
