Developers in Lady Lake, Florida, are once again threatening to destroy vital rural and protected lands in pursuit of profit. LPA Urban & Regional Planners, LLC and Legacy Group are pushing for rezoning across multiple areas of Lady Lake, including a plan to rezone 1,400 acres of the Emeralda Marsh Rural Protection Area and surrounding lands for high-density development. This marsh is not just land; it's a critical habitat for some of Florida's most protected and endangered species, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, Florida Burrowing Owl, Eastern Indigo Snake, Little Blue Heron, Tri-Colored Heron, and many others.

This latest push for development follows a disturbing trend in Florida, where developers are targeting rural and protected areas—places that should remain untouched for the sake of wildlife and natural preservation. The Emeralda Marsh is a designated Rural Protection Area for a reason: it plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, regulating our environment, and preserving the natural beauty that makes Florida unique.

In addition to this, there is another proposed rezoning effort underway for Edwards Road, where developers are trying to convert 31.1 acres of Rural Residential (R-1) land into commercial and residential facilities. This development would further fragment our rural lands, increasing traffic, straining local resources, and disrupting the wildlife that depends on this area for survival.

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose these rezoning applications for the following reasons:

Environmental Impact on Local Wildlife:
Both the Emeralda Marsh and Edwards Road areas are home to numerous protected and endangered species. Development would destroy critical habitats, contributing to the decline of wildlife populations, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, Burrowing Owl, Indigo Snake, and others.
Incompatibility with Surrounding Rural Zoning:
These developments are incompatible with the rural residential character of Lady Lake. The size and scope of these projects threaten to alter the very nature of our community, paving the way for more overdevelopment in the future.
Strain on Public Services and Infrastructure:
Large-scale developments such as these will overwhelm our local infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems. They will also put a strain on public services like fire, police, and emergency medical services, which are not equipped to handle the increased demand.
Precedent for Overdevelopment:
If these rezoning efforts are approved, they will set a dangerous precedent for further development in our rural and protected areas. This would lead to the gradual erosion of the natural landscapes that make our community a peaceful and beautiful place to live.
Protection of Rural Character and Natural Beauty:
The rural lands of Lady Lake, including Emeralda Marsh and the surrounding areas, are not only valuable for wildlife—they are an integral part of our community's identity. Allowing these developments to proceed would permanently alter the landscape, robbing future generations of the opportunity to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
 
We, the undersigned, call upon the Lake County Zoning Board and County Commissioners to reject these rezoning applications and preserve the rural lands and natural habitats of Lady Lake, Florida. Our protected lands are not for sale. Together, we can stop these reckless developments and ensure that Florida’s wildlife, rural beauty, and environmental integrity are preserved for generations to come.

✍️ Sign the petition NOW to protect Florida’s wildlife and save Lady Lake’s rural areas from overdevelopment!