Board approves rezoning for Cortez Crossing to attract light industrial users

The Veranda County Board of County Commissioners on July 7 approved a rezoning request from Hernando Investments to convert parts of the Cortez Crossing subdivision from planned development general commercial to planned development heavy highway commercial with selected C1/C2/I1/I2 uses. Coastal Engineering representative Manuel Sherrer described the master plan as "12 total parcels" and said the aim was to add flexibility for light industrial and service businesses along the I‑75 corridor.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on screening and uses that might harm neighboring areas. Commissioner Loco and others asked for stronger perimeter buffers; in response the applicant agreed to raise screening from five to eight feet and to exclude mini-storage uses. Michelle Miller, planning manager, confirmed staff had worked with economic development and that the request was consistent with the area’s development pattern. The board voted 4‑0 to approve the rezoning with the agreed conditions.

Why it matters: The change allows more light-manufacturing, outdoor storage (behind building lines) and other industrial-commercial users that county economic development has targeted, and the conditions aim to limit visual and operational impacts on adjacent properties.

Key quote: "The total project that we're bringing for you, the master plan is 12 total parcels," said Manuel Sherrer of Coastal Engineering, summarizing the scope and intent of the request.

What’s next: The applicant must meet the conditions recorded in the approval and proceed through site-plan and permitting steps including screening and buffering required for outdoor storage or heavy uses.