Residents split over coffee farm agritourism and possible RV park at Old Lakeport

The Nov. 10 Glades County public hearing on a comprehensive-plan amendment drew numerous local residents who expressed sharply different views about the proposal by Old Lakeport, LLC.

Supporters, including the Lakeport Community Association and residents such as Alisha Hamilton and Chelsea Henning, said the Okeechobee Coffee Company farm and a small number of RV spaces would stimulate local business and agritourism. Barbie Cordon, president of the Lakeport Community Association, read a letter into the record supporting the project.

Opponents raised concerns that the Transition future‑land‑use category is ambiguous and could allow heavier or unexpected uses in the future. Nearby property owner Sherry Conway said she feared the land “could become a migrant camp or anything that the County will allow.” Several neighbors submitted a petition and signatures opposing the change; James Weeks submitted a four‑page petition (Exhibit C) and multiple residents questioned discrepancies in materials (for example, an impact statement showing higher theoretical unit counts). Board members noted they were required to consider comprehensive-plan consistency, with rezoning and site‑specific issues to be reviewed later.

The contrasting comments were part of the record when the board adopted the map amendment 3-2. The transcript and exhibits include letters of support (Exhibit E), the applicant’s impact statement and the petition of opposition (Exhibit C).