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Commission approves expansion of Old Florida Forever event venue with law‑enforcement coordination for multi‑day events
Summary
The commission approved modifications to a preexisting event venue special exception, allowing additional multi‑day events and overnight parking while retaining a condition requiring sheriff/highway-patrol coordination for multi‑day events. The owner said the intent is family-oriented activities.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a modification to an existing special-exception permit for a public assembly and event venue (Old Florida Forever) that increases allowances for multi‑day events and overnight vendor hookups. The owner and property manager described a transition to family-oriented programming and recent infrastructure improvements.
Applicant Joseph Conrad told the commission his goal is to host markets, car shows and community events and noted prior approvals at the site. Property manager Edmond Bennett said upgrades to water and electrical systems and security practices were underway. The applicant requested deletion of a carryover condition requiring coordination with the sheriff or Highway Patrol for certain events; staff recommended retaining that condition because of traffic and safety considerations. Commissioners approved the modification but retained the law-enforcement coordination requirement for multi-day events; the commission discussed a one-year test period in other cases, but kept this as an ongoing special exception.
The owner said he carries a $1,000,000 liability policy and has instituted gate identification and waivers to improve security. With the retained condition, the venue can expand event days while working with law enforcement to coordinate traffic and safety for larger gatherings.
