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Neighbors press LPA on bald eagle nests, noise and runoff at proposed Lake Tarpon restaurant site
Summary
Multiple nearby residents told the Local Planning Agency they fear loss of eagle habitat, greater boat traffic, noise from a restaurant roof deck and increased runoff; the applicant said DA language, wetland buffers, fence and separate waterway permitting would address those concerns.
Several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed land‑use and zoning changes for the Lake Tarpon parcel, raising environmental, noise and traffic concerns. Andrew Moranville warned that trees used by nesting bald eagles could be removed: "They're gonna knock down those trees. They're gonna ruin that habitat for the American bald eagle," he said. Neighbors pressed for clarity on enforceable protections and what would happen if ownership changed.
Deborah Johnson, who said her property abuts the parcel, described past problems with trash and rodents at the adjacent lodging and asked what protections would prevent similar impacts from a restaurant and its patrons. "We've had to deal with rats that have invaded our homes now because there's multiple dumpsters outside," she said. Leslie McClain Day noted boat traffic and shoreline erosion visible from living rooms along the lake and said a roof‑deck could magnify noise across the water.
Applicant counsel and staff responded: the development agreement includes wetland buffers and a requirement to comply with all applicable federal and state protections for threatened species; Water & Navigation permitting would be required for docks and the applicant offered to add commitments (including removing an existing boat ramp and limiting docks on the north side) prior to the BOCC hearing. The LPA ultimately forwarded the recommendations with the applicant commitments recorded for the Oct. 27 BOCC hearing.
