Ellie’s News – May 24, 2024
Hello All,
Feels like summer is upon us with our Florida heat and humidity! Keep hydrated and seek air conditioning!
News from ClubLink’s 2023 Annual Report:
As you can see: “Development options are being considered specifically for Sandpiper Golf Course.”
In the same annual report ClubLink provided this update on The Woodlands Golf Course Project in Tamarac, FL:
“The Company is working with 13th Floor (a local real estate developer based in south Florida) to explore development options at the former Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac, Florida. This process has been managed by Morguard as part of its management services arrangement. The development plan that has been submitted includes approximately 335 single family homes. Zoning, land use, development agreement and site plan have all been approved. 13th Floor has now conveyed to the Company that it has waived on due diligence and the Company is intending to proceed to closing – anticipated in summer 2024. “
“The Company is working with 13th Floor (a local real estate developer based in south Florida) to explore development options at Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac, Florida. 13th Floor has now conveyed to the Company that it has waived on due diligence and is intending to proceed to closing – anticipated in summer 2024. The Company has the option of participating in this project by way of a joint venture. As a result, the Company has classified the property, plant and equipment from Woodlands Country Club as held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2023. “
As a side note, TWC Enterprises Limited’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morguard, a Canadian firm trading on the Toronto exchange under MRC. Morguard per their March 31, 2024 report owned and managed portfolio of assets valued at $17.8 billion. Morguard notes in their annual report ” Additional value is being created by our rezoning and development initiatives across multiple properties.”
In addition, ClubLink has invested over $10 million dollars in Real Estate Investment Funds with 13thFloor. Here are the details from TWC’s annual report:
“The Company has invested $9,920,000 (US$7,500,000) in capital calls (US$10,000,000 total commitment) in a US-based real estate investment fund managed by 13th Floor (Fund IV) (2022 – $4,864,000; US$3,591,000). TWC has an approximate 9% interest in this fund. This fund primarily invests in Florida real estate projects. The Company recognized a valuation gain of $438,000 (US$331,000) on its investment in Fund IV (2022 – $1,734,000; US$1,280,000).
The Company has invested $1,323,000 (US$1,000,000) in capital calls (US$10,000,000 total commitment) in a US-based real estate investment fund managed by 13th Floor (Fund V). TWC has an approximate 5% interest in this fund. Fund V’s pipeline of deals is expected to consist of mainly multi-family and mixed use opportunities in Florida and South Carolina. The Company recognized a valuation decrease of $167,0000 (US$126,000) on its investment in Fund V (2022 – nil). “
I would not be surprised if there were ongoing discussions between 13th Floor and ClubLink as it pertains to Sandpiper but this is just educated speculation on my part. Only time will tell.
There is also local action on Sandpiper. Recent activity has been sighted on the course. ClubLink workers have been stripping and harvesting grass. Here are some pictures I received from a concerned citizen.
A number of folks have contacted Mike Owens’ office on the matter and have been posting updates on the Save Sun City Center Facebook page.
Here is the response sent by Mike Owens – Commissioner District 4 (our district) office to Denise Duperrault. Others contacting Mike Owen’s office received similar responses.
Denise’s response from Michael Owens’ office June 6th..
“Good Morning, Denise,
We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to reach out to provide an update on the current situation regarding the Sandpiper Golf Course and Commissioner Michael Owen’s stance on the matter.
First and foremost, Commissioner Owen stands firmly against supporting a rezoning of the golf course into residential areas. We understand and share your concerns about preserving our community’s integrity and green spaces.
Regarding the current state of the golf course, we sincerely apologize for any challenges or inconvenience this may have caused. We recognize that the condition of the area has been a point of contention. However, it’s important to note that Hillsborough County is limited in its enforcement capabilities regarding private property.
That being said, we have taken proactive steps to address the situation. We have requested that both the Development Services Department and Code Enforcement Departments evaluate the current condition of the golf course and develop a plan to monitor the area going forward.
After an initial investigation, both departments found no violations of ordinances or policies. Nevertheless, they will continue to monitor the location to ensure all county ordinances are being followed.
In order to provide you with more specific information or address any questions you may have, we have provided your contact information to the Development Services Department. They will reach out to you directly to provide further assistance.
Please rest assured that we are committed to working on this matter and supporting our community to the best of our abilities. Your concerns are important to us, and we will continue to prioritize the well-being of Sun City Center.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate through this issue together.”
Our commissioners are aware but showing your opposition to the destruction of our neighborhoods, vistas and green space can never be stated or communicated too much to all the commissioners. Use their electronic tool click here.
On a completely different subject – Pebble Creek Golf Course in New Tampa, I had previously reported that GL Homes was seeking judicial relief after their plans for development and rezoning were denied by the Hillsborough County Commissioners in the 5 to 2 vote against approving their plans. The hearing is today before the Honorable Judge Paul A. Huey.
The most interesting part of this case is the defense brief submitted by the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office related to this case and how its basis is the protection of the existing neighborhoods. It is attached as a pdf. This should provide some interesting insight into strategies in defense of our green spaces and golf courses.
I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.
Interest has waned in our cause with time and regrouping is probably in order. ClubLink tends to like to do things when more folks are out of town for the summer.
The most important thing is that we all stay vigilant and keep a close watch on ongoing developments and be prepared to respond quickly when any filing relative to our golf courses occurs.
It is time to dust off our readiness plan and prepare. I am looking for a few good folks to devote their time to this task under my direction. If you are ready and able, please reach out to me via email at getinvolved@savescc.org.
Keep the faith, there is much to support our cause but people are the engine!
Ellie Anderson
312-282-7337