Planning board recommends 160‑acre Jack's Branch opt‑out, staff had supported application

The Escambia County Planning Board on July 7 recommended that a 160‑acre Jack’s Branch parcel be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for state review as an opt‑out from the Midwest sector plan.

Meredith Bush, the applicant’s agent and a certified planner and attorney, told the board the request would change the parcel’s future‑land‑use designation from conservation neighborhood and wetlands to AR (agricultural residential) and that staff supported the request. “This zoning and future land use category will not allow any data center under any circumstances,” Bush said, emphasizing the applicant’s intent for low‑density residential uses. Staff noted the change would remove 214 high‑density allocations for that parcel and limit the site to a maximum of roughly 40 dwelling units under AR rules.

Residents who spoke at the hearing raised concerns about local road capacity, wetland protections and the effects of development on water quality and neighborhood character. After applicant and staff responses and a brief board discussion, Commissioner Ben Nelson moved to recommend approval; the chair later announced, “Motion carries.” The recommendation sends the item to the Board of County Commissioners, which may transmit it to state review agencies for comment and an objections/recommendations report.