Author Archives: Lorraine Mancuso

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – April 13, 2026

Ellie’s Notes – April 13, 2026

Hello All!

Sorry I’ve been unusually quiet during such a busy time.

Unfortunately, I’ve been getting my butt kicked, and I am still not out of the woods. Covid, COPD exacerbation, long Covid, pseudomonas pneumonia, 10 days in the hospital, and lots of difficulty breathing and talking. I am trying my best to recuperate before our meeting on April 22.

Fortunately, we’ve got some great people on the Save SCC team who have been doing an awesome job when I could not, and rest assured, we will be more than ready.

We are working on an outstanding program for the April 22 Informational Meeting. We have lots of new information and insights to share, and your attendance is key to hear about these critical updates and new information, and how you can participate.

And if you don’t have a Save Sun City Center tee-shirt, this is the time to get one for a $20 donation. Support the cause, be a living, walking, advocate, and help spread the word. Let people know you are in the know and fighting for the protection of our golf courses green spaces!

The Save SCC meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22, 2026, in the Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., in Sun City Center. Save SCC representatives will be present at 4 p.m. to address any specific concerns or pre-meeting questions and/or to accept donations and provide Save SCC promotional items, including tee-shirts, lawn signs, window slicks and more. 

In addition, Adam Gormly, Department Director for Hillsborough County’s Development Services, has committed to attend the meeting and to answer questions from the audience.

Some of the Save SCC teams have been quietly working behind the scenes, preparing and waiting on ClubLink, but it’s vitally important that all of us who want to preserve and protect our golf courses and green spaces, gather together at this upcoming meeting. There is a lot to be done now in preparation for ClubLink’s next move, and we want everyone to get informed, up to speed and working on our plans as we prepare for ClubLink’s eventual plans and filings for development.

Bring your neighbors, friends and associates. This will be an eye-opening presentation that will not be repeated, and it is purposefully not broadcast via Zoom because we need to be careful not to convey information to ClubLink that they can use against us.

Now on to current business.

As I have often said, the legislative landscape is always changing and Tallahassee is trying everything they can to encourage more home development. Housing scarcity and affordability are key issues and legislation to stream redevelopment and bypass local zoning approvals are constantly being considered. It could be related to affordable housing like the Live Local Act or new concepts like the Florida Infill Redevelopment Act.

There has been recent action by the Hillsborough County Commissioners to try to regain local control and home rule over zoning matters as it relates to the Live Local Act, and I applaud their action and intent. This action by the commissioners is highly important, since it could relate directly to the zoning decisions that will be made relative to our golf courses.

Hillsborough County files Lawsuit Against Live Local Act

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners filed a lawsuit against the State of Florida on March 6, 2026, seeking to declare portions of the Live Local Act unconstitutional. The action specifically challenges section 125.01055 of the Florida Statutes, which allows developers to bypass local zoning, density, and height regulations for certain affordable housing projects.

  Summary of Actions

  • Unanimous Vote: On December 17, 2025, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the legal challenge.
  • Motion Initiation: The motion was spearheaded by Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who argued that the law allows “unfettered multifamily construction” and removes local control over 700 square miles of unincorporated county land.
  • Legal Basis: The county contends the law is unconstitutional because it preempts home rule and forces local officials to approve projects without public input or adherence to local comprehensive plans.
  • Collaboration: The Board empowered the county attorney to allow other Florida jurisdictions to co-join or support the lawsuit.
  • Bypassing Zoning: Commissioners argue the law strips local governments of their authority to regulate density and building heights in areas originally zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use.
  • Lack of Public Input: The Act mandates “administrative approval,” which eliminates traditional public hearings and neighborhood reviews for qualifying projects.
  • Infrastructure Concerns: Officials cited concerns that the influx of dense multifamily units occurs without adequate consideration for local infrastructure needs.
  • Delayed Fixes: Commissioner Wostal noted that while legislative fixes were promised, they would not be considered until 2027, leaving the county with an “insurmountable” number of automated approvals in the interim.

This next item is a new piece of legislation introduced this session.

Florida Infill Redevelopment Act

The Florida Infill Redevelopment Act (Senate Bill 1434 / House Bill 979) is a recent piece of legislation passed by the Florida Legislature in early 2026, designed to fast-track residential development on “environmentally impacted” urban land. Think golf courses with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer contamination. In other words, the longer they operated, the greater the potential contamination exceeds allowable limits. Think landfills, chemical areas, gas stations, brown fields, etc.

Currently, the act’s streamlined benefits do not apply to Hillsborough County. It specifically targets counties with populations over 1.475 million, which at this time only includes Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

But who is to say if and when things will change. The legislature often does revisit these issues.

Key Features of the Act:

  • Administrative Approval: Qualifying projects can bypass public hearings and votes by city councils or county commissions. Instead, they receive “administrative approval” from municipal staff if they meet state-set criteria. No zoning hearings!
  • Qualifying Land: Sites must be at least 5 acres, located within an urban development boundary, and be “environmentally impacted” (such as former gas stations, landfills or golf courses with pesticide/fertilizer contamination).
  • Density Mandates: Local governments must allow residential density at either the average of the surrounding neighborhood or up to 25 units per acre, whichever is lower.
  • Preemption of Local Rules: The Act prevents local governments from using zoning or platting processes to block development on these sites, effectively overriding many local land-use restrictions. 

Specific Protections for Neighbors:

To address community concerns, the Act includes several “neighbor-friendly” requirements:

  • Mandatory Buffers: Developers must provide at least a 20-to-30-foot buffer of open space or passive recreation between the new project and existing single-family homes.
  • Proof of Closure: For golf courses, the developer must prove the facility has not been in operation for at least 12 months.
  • Higher Impact Fees: Developers must pay double the standard parks and recreation impact fees to compensate for the loss of green space.
  • Right of First Refusal: Residents have an option to purchase the recreational parcel if they wish to preserve it, at a price capped at 10% above what the developer paid.

The full details are available on the Florida Bill Tracker.

The measure has been approved by both houses. It has been sent to the Governor for action and will be adopted as law unless vetoed by the Governor, which is unlikely.

We are fortunate this does not apply in Hillsborough County or in our case, but again, the protections available under today’s existing laws may be changed at the local level or the state level.

The need for vigilance and advocacy never goes away. And if we do not pay attention and stand up, our protections can and will be eroded.

Remember, it was our vigilance, advocacy and outreach to the legislature last spring that changed SB 1730 to protect recreation areas in Planned Developments. Otherwise, the six golf course in our PD’s could have been vulnerable for “administrative approval” without public hearings under SB 1730.

Here is my writeup on this from Ellie’s Notes – June 26, 2025

Florida Senate Bill 1730 

On the good news front, Tuesday, Governor DeSantis signed SB 1730 amending the Live Local Act to exclude recreational areas in Planned Developments under the Live Local Affordable Housing Program. That means the Live Local Act is not applicable to the golf courses in SCC and Kings Point. ClubLink can still pursue other avenues for development for the golf courses in Sun City Center and Kings Point, but it will not be possible under the Live Local Act.

SB 1730 specifically excludes recreational areas in a PUD from development under the Live Local Act.

This means that parcels designated for recreational uses like golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and clubhouses within residential areas are not considered “commercial, industrial or mixed use” for the purposes of Live Local Act development, regardless of how they are operated.

This exclusion was specifically amended into the bill at the last hour of the legislative session, due to the efforts of various groups (primarily us) who sought to protect these areas. 

However, it is important to note that this exclusion only prevents development under the Live Local Act. A developer could still pursue residential housing development on a recreational area by submitting a separate development application to the county, which would trigger a different process, including public noticing and hearings. The exception would be the North Lakes Course, which is zoned RSC-6.

SB 1730 amends Florida’s Live Local Act, which aims to address affordable housing issues in the state. Key changes include:

            • Allowing local governments to approve affordable housing developments on parcels owned by religious institutions, even if local zoning would not typically permit such construction.
            • Requiring local governments to grant administrative approvals for qualifying affordable housing projects without further action from boards or reviewing bodies.
            • Setting density, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and height maximums to the least restrictive standard currently allowed or allowed as of July 1, 2023.
            • Clarifying zoning preemption applicability for commercial, industrial, and mixed-use areas, including planned unit developments, which excludes recreational areas.

This clarifying amendment to the original Live Local Act will also affect the current action in the courts relative to the development efforts in Plant City for the closed Walden Lakes Golf Course, which also was previously owned by WCI. As you recall, WCI sold the SCC golf courses to ClubLink. That hearing is scheduled for September.

This success is due to all of you who called, wrote and emailed to change the course of this legislation. To prevail, we must act and when we act together as a community, we have a powerful voice and impact. Let’s use it!

End of Reprint!

This change allowed our neighbors, Save Walden Lake, Inc., a resident-led organization (and a birds of a feather – someone fighting a similar golf course redevelopment effort) to fight redevelopment of the Walden Lakes Golf course under the Live Local Act to prevail in court.

Florida Senate Bill 1730 (SB 1730), which was signed into law by Governor DeSantis in 2025,  became a pivotal tool for the Walden Lake Community Assciation(WLCA)  in their legal battle to stop a massive redevelopment project on their former golf course.

The law helped the community win a key court victory in early 2026 by strengthening local control over redevelopment in the following ways:

  • Affirming PUD as Contract: The court used the principles bolstered by the legislation to rule that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a binding contract with the city. This prevented the developer, Walden Lake LLC, from using the “Live Local Act” as a shortcut to bypass established density limits.
  • Preventing “Commercial” Loopholes: The developer argued that because the property was a golf course, it should be considered “commercial” and thus eligible for administrative approval under the Live Local Act. The court rejected this, ruling that recreational green space cannot be unilaterally re-characterized to bypass local zoning reviews.

In January 2026, Judge Michael S. Williams granted a summary judgment in favor of the City of Plant City, effectively closing the administrative pathway for the proposed 1,530 multifamily units and 468 townhomes under the Live Local Act.

So, the moral of the story is we need people power. We need YOU to help with our efforts!

If we fail to be very proactive, there are many forces at work that can, and will, change the course of events either in our favor or against us. And once the game is changed, it is almost impossible to turn the tide.

We must be on the offensive at all times and that takes human volunteers and resources! We must be cognizant of what is going on locally, at the County, in Tallahassee and down our streets. We need to interact frequently with those who impact the landscape and decision processes. The County is also rewriting its Comprehensive Plan for 2045.

Please share this with your friends and neighbors to keep them in the loop. Getting the word out is key, and I appreciate your help. Again, it is a small thing, but it makes all the difference! Thank you!

Hope to see you at the meeting on April 22 if not before!

Best regards,

Ellie Anderson
President – Save Sun City Center
312-282-7337

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SAVE THE DATE: March 30, 2026 for the TOWN HALL with Commissioner Christine Miller!

SAVE THE DATE: March 30, 2026 for a Town Hall!

Please mark your calendars  –

Monday, March 30, 2026, 3:00 pm. 

Attend the Town Hall meeting with Commissioner Christine Miller, our Hillsborough County District 4 Commissioner on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Caper Room in the Atrium on the Central (North) Campus. Commissioner Miller has assured me on numerous occasions that she understands our fight to reserve our golf course and is a supporter. Commissioner Josah Wostal, an at large commissioner, also expressed his support.  when I met with him last month.

This town hall would be a great time to address any concerns you may have about County issues, services or actions. Potential topics you might have and want to address could include development on our golf courses, traffic, Sun City Center roads that need resurfacing or repair, water restrictions, too much building all around with too little infrastructure to support it, perhaps a County Senior Center in Sun City Center to address the needs of our communities aging seniors like the Center in Wimauma which is at capacity and not accessible via golf cart, etc.

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – March 13, 2026

Ellie’s Notes – March 13, 2026

Hello folks – I have important news and updates for you.

Fun Fest is tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, 2026  from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please stop by. We’ll be on Cherry Hill Dr in front of the Arts and Craft building across from Bunka / Needlepoint and the Stained Glass studio. If you own a SaveSCC tee shirt, perhaps you’d want to wear it at Fun Fest.  Show your support and solidarity of our collective efforts to maintain and protect our existing golf courses for future generations for recreational use only and show some “green” for St Paddy’s Day. It would be great. Visibility and hype work.

Unfortunately, my spouse and I are out of commission and in quarantine due to COVID. We will definitely not be in attendance as planned. Unfortunately I have a number of serious health issues and comorbidities that make any respiratory infection particularly serious for me. I need to lay low for a while to recuperate and prepare for some important and exciting upcoming meetings.

Capable members of our SaveSCC volunteer team will be manning the booth under the direction of our Technology Work Group leader, Lorraine Mancuso. Kudos Lorraine!

If you are so inclined to pitch in and help out, we could use a few more folks to help Saturday. Call me at 312-282-7337 and I’ll put you on the schedule. Those of us who have done it in the past found it very rewarding and fun! I will miss it and you very much!  Stay Calm and Carry-on!

We’ll be providing our updated SaveSCC green post cards about SaveSCC and our upcoming Informational Meeting on April 22, 2026 at the SCC Community Hall so that you can easily share the details with your friends and neighbors.

You can donate and receive SaveSCC promotional materials and order fundraising SaveSCC promotional items like tee shirts, yard signs and window slicks.

Important Announcement

Attend the Town Hall meeting with Commissioner Christine Miller, our Hillsborough County District 4 Commissioner on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Caper Room in the Atrium on the Central (North) Campus. Commissioner Miller has assured me on numerous occasions that she understands our fight to reserve our golf course and is a supporter. Commissioner Josah Wostal, an at large commissioner, also expressed his support.  when I met with him last month.

This town hall would be a great time to address any concerns you may have about County issues, services or actions. Potential topics you might have and want to address could include development on our golf courses, traffic, Sun City Center roads that need resurfacing or repair, water restrictions, too much building all around with too little infrastructure to support it, perhaps a County Senior Center in Sun City Center to address the needs of our communities aging seniors like the Center in Wimauma which is at capacity and not accessible via golf cart, etc.

If you own a SaveSCC tee shirt, perhaps you’d want to wear it in support of our efforts to maintain and protect our existing golf courses for future generations for recreational use only.  We want the Commissioner to know how important, concerned and committed we all are to this issue and ask for her support and guidance.

North Lakes Course update – I have received several more calls that certainly seem to point at imminent plans by ClubLink for the North Lakes Course. Several people verbally confirmed that they saw and spoke with surveyors verifying survey points in the ground against a survey map they were carrying. Some also reported what they believed to be soil testing activities. Investigations are continuing and if you have concrete data to share, please send me an email with photos and pertinent information. Some also definitely relayed that Toro staff told them the course was sold to a developer. These all point to due diligence and preparation for development by someone. Again we have no confirmation from ClubLink but these signs are quite tell-tale.

Others confirmed that Teco was replacing dilapidated old wooden poles with new wooden poles. They were out there working today.

You are our eyes and ears! It takes the whole village!

Most importantly, Save Sun City Center  has scheduled a “vitally important” informational meeting for residents of the community that will include several topics, including the submission by ClubLink with Hillsborough County potentially to move forward with its plans to develop housing on three golf courses it owns within Sun City Center, legislative and zoning concerns and other topics.  Adam Gormly, Director of Development Services, Hillsborough County will be our special guest.  This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Again I hope you will wear your SaveSCC shirt in solidarity and support for our community efforts to protect our golf courses for recreation use, not development!

The SaveSCC meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22, 2026 in the Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd, in Sun City Center. SaveSCC representatives will be present at 4 p.m. to address any specific concerns or pre-meeting questions and/or to accept donations and provide SaveSCC promotional items including tee shirts, lawn signs, window slicks and more.

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – March 11, 2026

Ellie’s Notes – March 11, 2026

Hope this note finds you enjoying our “Spring”. The golf courses are busy, the pools are seeing more bathers, and birds, wildlife, greenery and flowers abound with new life emerging.  What a wonderful place to enjoy our retirement and the great outdoors with friends and neighbors.

Fun Fest is this Saturday, March 14th,  from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  It is one of my favorite community events with opportunities to meet new folks, check out our SCC clubs, affiliated organizations and local businesses and enjoy some great food and entertainment.  Save Sun City Center will be there with our SaveSCC table to speak with interested folks and offer SaveSCC tee shirts and other materials for a nominal donation. Stop by.

We’ll be at Table 41 in front of the Arts and Crafts Building on Cherry Hill Dr across from Bunka / Needlepoint. We’d love to see you and get you up to speed and on board. We will also distribute our newest postcards for folks to share around town with their neighbors, friends and local businesses to promote protecting our golf courses from development.

I could use some help in our booth if you are so inclined. Please let me know via email or call and we’ll get you on the schedule.

If you have a SaveSCC tee shirt, wear it to Fun Fest and support the cause making us more visible in the community. You’ll also have a great “green” outfit for St Paddy’s Day! A win on both fronts!  If you don’t have one, this is an excellent opportunity to get one at our booth. It is “must-wear fashion” that will be very compelling as we organize and demonstrate to protect our golf courses and community.

Our newly updated and printed SaveSCC postcards are done and will be available at Fun Fest. Please stop by and get some to share. If you want an electronic version, they are available for download from our website at SaveSCC.org.

Most importantly, Save Sun City Center  has scheduled a “vitally important” informational meeting for residents of the community that will include several topics, including the submission by ClubLink with Hillsborough County potentially move forward with its plans to develop housing on three golf courses it owns within Sun City Center, legislative and zoning concerns and other topics.

 The SaveSCC meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22, 2026 in the Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd, in Sun City Center. Save SCC representatives will be present at 4 p.m. to address any specific concerns or pre-meeting questions and/or to accept donations and provide SaveSCC promotional items including tee shirts, lawn signs, window slicks and more.

ClubLink first announced its intentions and tentative plans for its residential development for Sun City Center golf course properties four years ago on March 22, 2022. This Canadian company then closed Sandpiper Golf Course on June 1, 2023, with almost no notice. Since then, ClubLink has not communicated to the community about their intentions.

In early 2024, ClubLink filed three separate “Notice of Intent (NOI) to Propose Project under the Live Local Act” with no communication to the community. The NOI letters delivered to Hillsborough County Development Services gave notice that ClubLink potentially intends to develop projects on the closed North Lakes, Caloosa Greens and Sandpiper golf courses using the Live Local Act for affordable housing.

What specifically those project details are still remains unknown to the public at this time. Since its submission, ClubLink has gone “quiet” after the February 2024 letters, and has filed no projects for Sun City Center, according to Hillsborough County records and officials.

Some of the SaveSCC team have been quietly working behind the scenes, preparing and waiting on ClubLink, but it’s vitally important that all of us, who want to preserve and protect our golf courses and green spaces, gather together at this upcoming meeting. There is a lot to be done now in preparation for ClubLink’s next move, and we want everyone to get informed, up to speed and working on our plans as we prepare for ClubLink’s eventual plans and filings for development.

Again, we will provide post cards promoting the Informational Meeting on April 22 at Fun Fest or you may download the .pdfs from our SaveSCC web site at https://savescc.org.

ClubLink’s most recently published Quarterly Report – 3rd Quarter 2025 says “The Company is considering strategic options for its underutilized land at Sun City which includes development options for unutilized land.” Please know that they are determined and will not just go away. They are determined to make money off their investment and that means development!

I have been hearing rumors of activities on the North Course including surveying activities, potential changes with respect to Toro and where they will be mowing, and telephone poles on the course.  Unfortunately, these rumors lacked specific time, date and location data making it impossible to explore the details.

It is always difficult to separate fact from fiction and to find out what the facts are in terms of potential signals for next steps from ClubLink that may be imminent.

There is also the very real possibility that the activities could be related to County projects, use of easements by Teco, the County and utility providers.  There are extensive easements throughout the community.

I have spoken with Paul Ascioti Director of Operations, ClubLink here at Club Renaissance. He confirmed that ClubLink has a continuing relationship with Toro where they use ClubLink properties here in SCC and at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach for their product testing and research. That relationship is managed out of Canada and he did not have any specifics on any upcoming changes but said he would not be surprised if there are changes as Toro has been seeking a larger area for testing and Sandpiper is about 250 acres as opposed to the North Course that is about 170 acres. Time will tell.

You all are “our eyes and ears”, whether it’s in the media – radio, TV, social, or other or in your backyard. Please help keep us informed.

As I’ve mentioned just a few times 😊, we need everyone’s help if we’re going to stop ClubLink. And here’s how you can do that with only a little effort — be our eyes and ears out there.

What do I mean by that? If you’re walking the neighborhood, or driving past any of the closed courses, just keep a casual lookout. Spot a survey crew, people with notebooks walking around the golf course, or just anything out of the ordinary? Snap a quick photo, jot down the date and location, and send the details my way. (andersonellie@mac.com and getinvolved@savescc.org). If they leave stakes or paint on the ground, take a photo of the color and any writing on the lath (wood stakes).

And don’t stop at what you see in the neighborhood. Hear folks talking about permits at an HOA/COA/membership meeting, or you read something in the paper or online about zoning changes? Maybe you notice something in local Facebook groups or Nextdoor or even a random flyer on a lamppost? If you are reporting something from the media – please provide a link, copy or .pdf of the media source. Send me an email. Every tip helps in our fight to stay ahead of ClubLink.

But be cautious, too. You don’t have to confront someone. If you can ask a question nicely, great. If it means “chasing” after someone, let it go. We’re not asking you to play detective — just be the neighborhood pulse.

As always, any help is a big help. As the saying goes, many hands make for light work.

“Be a Witness, Not a Participant.” Documentation is more powerful than an argument.

We will do our best to determine what is happening and report any findings.

There are a number of County Capital Improvement Projects in the works for Sun City Center that also may be related to something you see. Below is the list compiled from the Hillsborough County Web Site:

 https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1452ac696ac94c30a83a1fef11679263

This chart and the Project Fact Sheet for each of these projects is attached for those seeking more information.

Other project details from Jan 2025 are available on the CA web site at:

https://www.suncitycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/v.-1-2-2025-Sun-City-Center-Public-Works-Update.pdf#:~:text=$4%2C052%2C812.%20•%20Lyndhurst%20Drive%20(375%20LF%2C%20$61%2C834),$287%2C002)%20•%20Platinum%20Drive%20(5%2C866%20LF%2C%20$830%2C194

For your convenience the pdf of the PowerPoint is attached.

Teco is conducting major storm-hardening projects in Sun City Center and the surrounding areas. In 2024 TECO replaced wooden poles with steel, strengthening infrastructure, and clearing vegetation along Rickenbacker. This initiative is part of a broader, multi-year plan by Teco to improve grid resilience and reliability.

Another important topic we will be discussing in the near future is compatibility and recent legislative efforts to revise this concept as it relates to protecting the “character” of existing neighborhoods which is an important aspect of our argument against development.

Please be sure to share this communique with your friends, neighbors and associates. Better yet, help them to sign up on our website at https://savescc.org/114-2/ to receive our electronic communication so they are “in the loop”.

Hope to see you Saturday at Fun Fest!

Best Regards,

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

SAVE THE DATE: March 14, 2026 for FUN FEST 2026!

SAVE THE DATE: March 14, 2026 for FUN FEST 2026!

Please mark your calendars for Fun Fest 2026 –

Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00am – 2:00 pm. 

Fun Fest is tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, 2026  from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please stop by. We’ll be on Cherry Hill Dr in front of the Arts and Craft building across from Bunka / Needlepoint and the Stained Glass studio. If you own a SaveSCC tee shirt, perhaps you’d want to wear it at Fun Fest.  Show your support and solidarity of our collective efforts to maintain and protect our existing golf courses for future generations for recreational use only and show some “green” for St Paddy’s Day. It would be great. Visibility and hype work.

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – February 17, 2026 – IMPORTANT EVENTS!

Ellie’s Notes – February 17, 2026 — UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS!

Hello All,

Hope this quick note finds you all enjoying this beautiful weather. We are indeed blessed. Hope you are getting out and about to enjoy it.

I apologize for the late notice but some times things get way from me.  Today – February 17 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Hillsborough County at Large Commissioner District 7- Joshua Wostal will hold community office hours at the Southshore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573.  This would be an excellent opportunity to address any of your community concerns to one of our at large commissioners.  You could speak about how you feel about further development in our community (ClubLink and protecting golf courses in our planned senior community protected by our Greater Sun City Community Plan), or roads conditions as requested by the CA , or traffic congestion and accidents on 674 and 301, or county services issues, water issues, etc … you name it. It is always a good thing to advocate on behalf of your community and he will be right in our backyard. Don’t miss this special opportunity. Hope to see you there!

Mark your Calander and Save the Date. We’ll be holding a Save Sun City Center Informational Meeting on April 22, 2026 at 5:00 at the SCC Community Hall.  This will be your opportunity to hear all about the current state of our efforts to protect and preserve our golf course for recreational use only and bring you up to date on the what happening. More details to follow.

Also don’t forget to visit our Save Sun City Center Booth at Fun Fest on Saturday, March 14th on the Main SCC North Campus from 9:00 to 2:00.

That’s all for now folks!

Hope to see you soon at one of this events!

Best regards,

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – January 22, 2026

Ellie’s Notes – January 22, 2026

Happy New Year folks! Welcome to 2026!

Aren’t we just the luckiest people in the world to live where we live and enjoy the community, friends, weather and lifestyle we have? We definitely did something right! Hallelujah!

Now, let’s be good stewards and build on that foundation.

I’d like to share on a personal basis for a minute. My efforts for our community organizing, leading and personally doing the lion’s share of the work of Save Sun City Center to protect our golf courses has come at great personal detriment to my life, health, welfare and finances.

It is better than a full-time job, but I am not getting any younger. However, it is taking a toll on me, and recently I had another six-day admission to St Joseph’s South with a life-threatening infection and blood clot. I must take better care of myself and smell some roses.

To that end, I need your help. My most urgent need is to reconstitute our SaveSCC Board and leadership. We need more strong, committed and talented leadership to more effectively meet the challenges ahead and share the load. We are seeking a few good folks, men and women, who have the heart and passion for this important work.

Working on our Board is interesting, challenging and vital to the future of our community. Are you the person for the job? If so, we really need you! Your community needs you! Please reach out to me – Ellie Anderson at andersonellie@mac.com or 312-282-7337 and let’s see how you can best contribute.

Please mark your calendars for Fun Fest 2026 – Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is a great opportunity to meet us and get involved. SaveSCC will have a table and a number of us will be there. We really hope to see you there at the main SCC campus on North Pebble Beach Blvd. It is always a great event and opportunity to share with one another. We will provide our location and table details as they are available.

The following is a comprehensive summary of the communities facing the same issues of golf course development, and state legislative bills that have been passed, being reviewed or being created that can have an effect on our battles to keep our green space. Yes, it’s long, but it will give you great background – and HOPE – for our future efforts.

The Walden Lakes Golf Course Saga – the Latest Update

The Walden Lakes Golf course development saga is a multi-decade legal and community battle rooted in the course’s financial insolvency and subsequent closure, with homeowners consistently and constantly fighting residential development to preserve green space. The dispute revolves around zoning laws and a developer’s attempt to use state housing legislation to bypass local opposition and restrictions.

History and Closure

The original Walden Lake development, which began in the 1970s, was designed with two privately-owned golf courses spanning hundreds of acres amidst approximately 2,200 homes. The courses were built in phases, with all 36 holes completed by the early 1990s.

The club’s financial troubles started long before its eventual closure. Visions Golf, which purchased the club in 2006, consistently reported financial losses, largely due to declining memberships. A proposal for homeowners to pay a small monthly fee to support the club was rejected by many residents, citing a lack of personal use or the community’s bylaws.

The course eventually closed on August 2016, initially due to a workers’ compensation issue, and never reopened. The clubhouse and other amenities fell into disrepair, leading to city code enforcementviolations for overgrown grass, debris, and safety hazards.

Development Saga and Homeowner Struggle

The core of the conflict is the tension between the property owner’s right to develop their land and the homeowners’ desire to maintain their quality of life and property values, which were predicated on the presence of green space. This has resulted in a long-standing legal struggle.

Initial Rezoning Attempts: In the mid-2010s, Visions Golf and subsequent owners proposed rezoning the land for residential development to recoup their investments. These attempts were met with strong opposition from the Walden Lake Community Association (WLCA) and individual residents, who formed groups to fight the plans.

Legal Battles: The community’s legal arguments focus on existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreements with the City of Plant City and a 1985 Master Settlement Agreement that residents argue limit the total number of housing units and dictate land use. At least two prior lawsuits were initiated in 2008 and 2015.

Live Local Act Controversy: In September 2023, the current owner, Walden Lake LLC, proposed a large new development of nearly 2,000 units (both multifamily and townhomes). The developer attempted to use Florida’s controversial “Live Local Act” to bypass local zoning rules, arguing the land’s commercial designation allowed them to fast-track affordable housing development.

Recent Court Ruling: In a major victory for the homeowners and the city, a court ruling in early January 2026 rejected the developer’s attempt to use the Live Local Act to override established local planning protections, affirming that the PUD is a binding contract.

Current Status

As of January 2026, the city has won its case against the developer’s attempt to bypass zoning rules. However, the developer is invested heavily and is expected to continue the fight. The legal situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts from the community to ensure a final resolution that preserves the area’s character and open space, encouraging residents to stay involved and attend court hearings.

In addition, although the court rejected the developer’s attempt to use the Live Local Act to bypass local zoning rules for a high-density development on the former golf course site, the case is ongoing, and the developer may appeal the decision.

Case Details

Parties Involved: The primary lawsuit is between the developer, Walden Lake, LLC, and the City of Plant City (Circuit Court Case No. 23-CA-16857). The Walden Lake Community Association (WLCA) and “Save Walden Lake” group have been granted the right to intervene and represent homeowner interests.

Core Dispute: The developer proposed a project including 470 townhomes and 1,530 apartments, arguing that the Live Local Act allowed for administrative approval on the former golf course land, which they characterized as “commercial.” The City rejected the application, maintaining the land was not zoned for such high-density use, and the recent court ruling affirmed the city’s position that a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a binding agreement that cannot be easily overridden.

Key Insights

·      The recent ruling is considered a significant victory for the city and homeowners, as it affirms local planning protections and the validity of PUD agreements.

·      The developer has heavily invested in the project and is expected to continue their legal efforts, so the fight is not over.

·      In the meantime, the property continues to face code enforcement issues, with the City requiring the developer to maintain the area. Homeowners are advised not to trespass on the private property.

·      The January 2026 ruling in the Walden Lake case establishes a critical legal boundary for Florida’s Live Local Act (SB 102). By finding in favor of the City of Plant City, the court has signaled that the Act is not a “blank check” for developers to override all local land-use agreements.

Potential Impacts on Florida Developments

Protection of PUD Agreements: The ruling affirms that a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a binding contract. Developers may no longer be able to use the Live Local Act to unilaterally discard negotiated density limits and land-use rules established in these master-planned agreements.

Stricter Definition of “Commercial” Land: The court rejected the developer’s attempt to re-characterize recreational green space (the golf course) as “commercial” land simply because it was a for-profit entity. This prevents developers from using recreational or open spaces as “loopholes” to trigger the Act’s high-density administrative approvals.

Restoration of Local Oversight: The decision reinforces that projects must still move through standard municipal processes (local home rule and zoning decisions)—including zoning reviews and public hearings—if they do not strictly meet the Act’s location criteria. It effectively closes the “administrative pathway” for projects trying to force high-density builds into established residential neighborhoods via legal shortcuts.

Precedent for Other Municipalities: This case provides a legal road map for other Florida cities, such as Hollywood and Bal Harbour, which are also challenging the Act on “home rule” and due process grounds. It may encourage more local governments to use existing PUD contracts or specific land-use designations to resist unwanted high-density developments.

Increased Litigation and Policy Reform: Although the ruling is a win for local control, it is expected to trigger further appeals and may prompt the Florida Legislature to further amend the Act to clarify definitions of “commercial” or “mixed-use” land to avoid similar disputes in the future.

The legislative environment in Florida regarding golf course redevelopment is currently a high-stakes tug-of-war between state-level “pre-emption” laws, which aim to fast-track development, and local “home rule” protections.

The “quicksand” status I warn of stems from a series of 2025 laws that significantly shifted the rules for when and how developers can bypass local oversight.

SB 180: The “Home Rule Freeze”

Signed in June 2025, SB 180 is the primary source of the recent “shifting rules.” While presented as a hurricane recovery measure, its effects are sweeping and statewide.

Zoning Lock: It prohibits local governments from adopting any development rules that are “more restrictive or burdensome” than those in place as of July 31, 2024.

Impact on Golf Courses: If a city tries to pass new protections specifically to save a golf course (like stricter open-space requirements), the developer can challenge the rule as “more restrictive” under SB 180. This has thwarted options we as SaveSCC were hoping to pursue.

Legal “Quicksand”: Because the term “more restrictive” is not clearly defined, it has invited a wave of lawsuits, with dozens of cities and counties now suing the state to overturn the law.

Live Local Act (2025 Amendments)

The original Live Local Act allowed developers to bypass local zoning if they included affordable housing on commercial or industrial land. Recent 2025 updates (SB 1730) have clarified these boundaries, as follows:

Golf Course Protection: Crucially, the 2025 update explicitly states that recreational uses, such as golf courses, within residential areas are not considered “mixed-use” for the purposes of the Act. This prevents developers from claiming a golf course is “commercial” land to trigger administrative (non-public) approval. This is the result of our non-partisan SaveSCC grassroots campaign advocating for protections with lawmakers during the final hours of the legislative session last spring. Our collective voice was heard and the bill amended at the 11th hour to protect recreation spaces under the live Local Act.

PUD Vulnerability: However, the amendments also expanded the Act to cover portions of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) if they are permitted for commercial or mixed-use, creating a potential opening for developers if a golf course was originally part of a mixed-use PUD.

Bypassing Local Hearings: House Bill 299 being considered during this legislative session would allow massive developments (10,000+ acres) to bypass all local development rules and public hearings if they meet certain state criteria, such as setting aside 60% for conservation.

Summary Table of Impacts

Law

Primary Impact on Development

Current Status

SB 180

Blocks cities from making development rules “more restrictive.”

Active (under multiple lawsuits)

Live Local (2025)

Denies “mixed-use” status to golf courses in residential zones.

Active (favoring homeowners)

SB 80

Bans golf courses in state parks.

Active (protects state land only)

HB 299

Could allow massive projects to bypass all local hearings.

Pending (under 2026 consideration)

Residents can track these fast-moving changes through advocacy groups like 1000 Friends of Florida or by monitoring Florida Senate Bill Summaries.

In Hillsborough County, officials are actively moving to reclaim local control through both direct litigation and defensive zoning changes. The county’s approach is a primary example of the “home rule” resistance against state preemption.

Direct Legal Challenge to Live Local

On December 17, 2025, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to challenge the constitutionality of Florida’s Live Local Act.

The Argument: Commissioners argue the law strips them of the ability to regulate growth responsibly and forces them into making decisions “with a gun against [their] temple” regarding high-density projects on commercial or industrial lands.

Scale of Impact: As of late 2025, nearly 3,100 units have been applied for in Hillsborough under this Act, many of which bypass traditional public hearings.

Strategic Rezoning for PUD Districts

In September 2024, the commission took a defensive step by amending the County’s Land Development Code to specifically remove Live Local eligibility from many Planned Development (PD) districts.

This move was intended to prevent developers from using the Act’s “commercial” loophole to build high-density housing on open lands, such as hay fields or former recreation areas, that were part of a master-planned community.

Impact of SB 180 (The “Freeze” Law)

Despite their efforts, Hillsborough County has felt the “quicksand” of SB 180 (the law preventing “more restrictive” development rules).

Halted Protections: In August 2025, commissioners were forced to reject a proposed ordinance that would have restricted the construction of loud sports courts (like pickleball) near homes because the county attorney warned it would be a “clear violation” of SB 180’s ban on new restrictive rules.

Monitoring Litigation: Hillsborough is currently researching and monitoring the consolidated statewide lawsuit filed by a coalition of Florida local governments to overturn SB 180 on the grounds that it violates the constitutional right to home rule.

Golf Course Victories

Outside of state preemption laws, Hillsborough has successfully used traditional land-use laws to protect golf courses.

Pebble Creek: In July 2025, an appellate court upheld the county’s decision to deny rezoning for the Pebble Creek Golf Course, preventing a developer from building 250 single-family homes. The court found the county was within its rights to maintain the area’s existing character.

Hillsborough County Action 

Target Law / Issue

Current Status

Constitutional Lawsuit

Live Local Act

Active; filed Dec 2025

Zoning Amendment

PD/PUD Protections

Adopted Sept 2024

SB 180 Compliance

New Noise/Building Rules

Paused due to legal risk

Pebble Creek Appeal

Golf Course Rezoning

Won; development blocked

And most recently we also have the recent win at Walden Lakes with the Plant City Planning Commission denying approval of redevelopment.

Legislation Impacting Developers and Communities

SB 544 & HB 495 (Golf Course Management Certification): These companion bills create the “Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Act” and transfer the program from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Although this is not a direct development bill, it changes the regulatory framework for existing golf course operations, which indirectly impacts the operational costs and compliance burden for any golf course owner, including a developer considering a course’s future.

HB 927 (Local Land Planning and Development): This bill aims to expedite the permit process for residential subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). It requires local governments to create a program to expedite the process and authorizes applicants to use private providers for necessary approvals. This is a significant advantage for developers, potentially allowing them to bypass local government slowdowns and accelerate the redevelopment of former golf course land that is already zoned for development.

Proposed Amendments to the Live Local Act: Following a court ruling that the Live Local Act cannot override existing PUD contracts, new discussions and potential legislative changes are expected to clarify or potentially “bolster” the Act’s provisions to prevent communities from using roadblocks to delay or reject developments. This area of legislation is highly contentious and will be a key battleground between pro-development forces and communities seeking to preserve local zoning control.

Bills Restoring Local Control (Details Pending): In response to previous legislation (like 2025’s SB 180) that limited home rule, new bills are expected to be filed in the 2026 session to partially restore local officials’ ability to create rules and limits on development. These could give communities a stronger legal footing to oppose high-density residential development on former golf courses if they can establish valid environmental protections or development boundaries.

Recent & Standing Legislation (Signed into Law in 2025)

“State Park Preservation Act” (SB 80 / HB 209): Signed into law by Gov. DeSantis in May 2025, this legislation explicitly prohibits the construction of golf courses, large lodges, and similar resort-style amenities within Florida’s state parks. This law responds to public backlash against a previous initiative and removes public land as an option for golf course development.

SB 1080 (Permitting Process Streamlining): Effective October 1, 2025, this law significantly changes the local government permitting process, creating strict deadlines for application review and imposing refunds if deadlines are missed. This benefits developers by providing greater predictability and discouraging local governments from indefinitely delaying projects.

So what is the moral of the story?  We all must remain engaged and vigilant in this community effort to protect our golf courses from development by ClubLink. They will not relent, they will not give up, they have time and money for the fight, they are well motivated, and they are waiting for the opportune circumstances to proceed.

We must be ready and that can only happen with your help, and investment of our collective time, money and collective power as engaged stewards of our legacy and future.

Several bills on the Florida legislative horizon for the 2026 session are poised to impact developers and communities involved in golf course redevelopment, primarily by focusing on local control, permitting processes, and a specific certification program for golf courses.

Here is to the very best in 2026! I wish us all good health. Let’s enjoy our wonderful lives and community to the fullest. We are truly blessed to be here! I think it is going to be a very interesting and challenging year. Let’s get prepared for what is to come!

Best regards always,

Ellie Anderson

andersonellie@mac.com

President- SaveSCC

312-282-7337

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – November 21, 2025

A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Tribute to Our SAVE Sun City Volunteers, Donors, and Supporters

As the Thanksgiving season dawns, bringing with it a time for reflection and gratitude, I and the other leaders and key players in Save Sun City Center extend our deepest and most sincere thanks to the heart and soul of our organization: our incredible team of volunteers.

You are the lifeblood of our mission—a steadfast, all-volunteer force dedicated to protecting the vital green, recreating spaces of our community from development by ClubLink. The success we share is not the result of a few, but a powerful, collective achievement made possible by the unique and invaluable contribution of every single person who has answered the call.

  • To those who have participated in Work Groups and tackled individual projects: Your countless hours – spent organizing, researching complex zoning issues and laws, stormwater management, golf operations, ClubLink, other courses fighting similar development, managing our technology, and executing critical tasks, have provided the meticulous foundation upon which our legal and advocacy efforts stand.
  • To those who have been our voice in the community and beyond: Your presence at countless meetings, town halls, community gatherings, Hi Neighbor, Fun Fest and Zoom meetings, and your persistent networking with concerned citizens, have ensured that our cause is heard loud and clear in every relevant forum.
  • To our supporters like Sun Radio and other organizations within the community: You know who you are and while some of you prefer to remain anonymous, your collaboration with us has been of enormous help is allowing us to inform our residents, collect signatures, and remain heard, visible and accessible.
  • To our generous donors: Your financial contributions, large and small, fuel the engine of our advocacy, covering essential costs and allowing us to remain agile in a challenging fight.
  • And to our “Boots on the Street”: You are the visible, tireless champions who walk the neighborhoods, gather the support, and demonstrate the sheer power of community solidarity.

We understand that you have given the most precious resource of all: your time, your passion, your resources, and your belief in a shared future.

Our achievements—the milestones reached, the legislative success, the awareness raised, and the vital ground securing political support in this ongoing effort—are wholly and truly a shared success. Each step forward is a testament to your dedication and collaborative spirit.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks from me and the entire leadership team. We are deeply grateful for your service, your commitment, and the extraordinary efforts you make every day to preserve our cherished golf courses. We would not be the same beautiful community without those 1,137 acres of undeveloped land.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Ellie Anderson

President – Save Sun City Center

312-282-7337

Save SCC Green Spaces Status – November 4, 2025

Ellie’s Notes –November 4, 2025

Hello all and welcome back to the snowbirds that have arrived. It is good to have some lower temperatures.  Now, if we could only get some rain.

“Hi Neighbor”, a Sun City Center tradition which I would describe as an open house opportunity, is being held at the SCC Community Hall at 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd this Thursday, November 6th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. One of the goals of the “Hi, Neighbor!” is to showcase the many clubs and organizations available to provide residents, especially our newcomers, with the opportunity to become familiar with these community assets and potentially particpate. I and Save Sun City Center will be there at table 78 just inside the main door to the left as you enter. I hope to see you there.

ClubLink has been busy fighting legal battles to proceed with their development of Kanata Golf and Country Club in Ottawa, Canada. For details, click to see this Canadian news article.

ClubLink’s efforts to develop the Kanata Golf and Country Club in Ottawa, Canada, bear strong similarities to the company’s actions here in Sun City Center, Florida, including a strategy of purchasing struggling courses for redevelopment and subsequent intense community opposition. All the communities have faced significant setbacks in their fight to preserve local green space.

The Kanata golf course development saga

 Acquisition and initial redevelopment proposal

  • ClubLink acquires Kanata Golf and Country Club: ClubLink, a Canadian corporation, acquired the Kanata Golf and Country Club in 1996. The club, opened in 1968 and redesigned in 1990, was considered a classic parkland course and one of the best maintained in the Ottawa area, later hosting events such as the 2001 Nations’ Cup. ClubLink, a large and successful operator of premium golf properties, acquired the course as part of its business operations. The primary reason for the later controversy surrounding the course was ClubLink’s desire to redevelop the land for housing, which was a business decision related to real estate value, not the club’s financial state.
  • Kanata Greenspace Community corporation: A community organization, the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition, was formed to oppose the redevelopment of the land and protect it as green space.

The Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition (KGPC) was formed in 2018

organically by local residents, with its initial momentum driven by individuals like Barbara Ramsay, who became the founding and current president .

Other residents quickly mobilized after news broke of ClubLink’s intent to redevelop the Kanata Golf and Country Club land for housing.

The formation process involved community meetings, social media outreach, and grassroots organizing to quickly gather support and establish a formal entity.

The primary purpose of the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition is to:

  • Oppose the redevelopment of the former Kanata Golf and Country Club land.
  • Preserve the land as permanent green space for the community
  • Uphold the 40% open space requirement of the original 1981 agreement that governed the development of the area.
  • Protect the existing greenspace, trees, and natural habitat from being replaced by a housing development.
  • Advocate for the City of Ottawa to use all available legal and political means to prevent development and ensure the area remains an ecological and recreational asset for current and future residents.

The Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition was formed as a not-for-profit corporation in July 2019.

The coalition was formed by concerned community residents in response to ClubLink’s 2018 announcement of its plan to close the golf course and build a 4,800-unit housing development on the land.

The coalition has worked closely with local elected representatives, such as Ward 4 – Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry and former Councillor Jenna Sudds, to fight the development plans.

 The coalition’s specific goals include:

o   Raising public awareness about the importance of green space preservation.

o   Gathering public support and funds to aid the City of Ottawa in its legal efforts.

o   Advocating for the enforcement of a 1981 “40% Agreement” between the pre-amalgamation City of Kanata and the original developer, Campeau Corporation, which stipulated that 40% of the area should remain as open space.

The coalition has been actively involved in the ongoing legal battles to block the housing project and ensure the land remains a community green space

Initial redevelopment plan: In 2018, ClubLink and its partners, Minto Communities and Richcraft Homes, filed an application with the city of Ottawa to redevelop the golf course into a residential subdivision of 1,544 homes.

Legal battles and the “40% agreement”

The 40% agreement: The saga largely revolves around a 1981 agreement between the former city of Kanata and developer Campeau Corp. The agreement stipulated that 40% of the land in the Kanata Lakes area, which included the golf course, must be preserved as natural space. If the owner no longer wanted to operate the golf course, they had to offer the land to the municipality.

City of Ottawa files a lawsuit: The city of Ottawa took ClubLink to court to enforce the 40% agreement and prevent the development.

Superior Court victory for Kanata residents: In 2021, an Ontario Superior Court judge sided with the city, upholding the agreement and preventing the development. The court found the agreement valid and ruled that if ClubLink wanted to abandon the golf course, it had to offer the land to the city.

Appeals and reversals: ClubLink appealed the Superior Court decision. In early 2025, the Ontario Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s decision, ruling the 40% agreement was no longer valid. This decision effectively cleared the way for the development.

Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal: In September 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the city of Ottawa’s appeal of the Ontario Court of Appeal ruling. This final decision extinguished the legal protections for the Kanata green space, leaving the community with a major setback.

Provincial government declines to intervene: In late September 2025, the Ontario provincial government, led by Premier Doug Ford, announced it would not intervene in the Kanata dispute. This dashed hopes for a last-minute political rescue.

Similarities to Sun City Center and shared setbacks

Aspect Kanata, Canada Florida
Developer strategy ClubLink partnered with developers like Minto and Richcraft to acquire and redevelop the golf course. ClubLink pursued a business model of acquiring distressed golf courses in Canada and Florida for redevelopment into residential projects.
Community opposition Residents formed the Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition to fight the development, rallying opposition and participating in legal battles. The “Save Sun City Center ” and other groups were organized to protect the green spaces and oppose ClubLink’s plans to rezone and develop the golf courses.
Legal challenges and setbacks Kanata residents and the city initially won a Superior Court decision based on the 1981 “40% agreement,” but this was overturned on appeal. The final blow came when the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the city’s appeal in September 2025. In early 2024, ClubLink again sought to leverage state-level legislation (the Live Local Act) to potentially bypass local zoning and public hearings. Residents in Sun City Center influenced the amendment of Florida Senate Bill 1730 to protect their recreational space.
Loss of legal protection The Supreme Court’s decision essentially removed the key legal tool used by the city and community to protect the green space, leaving residents with few options. The threat of ClubLink using state laws to override local protections represents a similar erosion of legal and planning defenses for the Sun City Center community.
Corporate tactics ClubLink and its partners launched a promotional website (“Kanata Possibilities”) showcasing the proposed new development, effectively marketing the outcome as inevitable. ClubLink has utilized similar tactics in Florida, including presenting plans to bypass public oversight and pursuing projects piecemeal, as highlighted by the SaveSCC with respect to Palm Aire Golf Club

Lessons and outlook

For Sun City Center, the Kanata saga serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the significant hurdles involved in fighting corporate developers. While legal battles may offer temporary victories, they can be reversed on appeal, and higher courts may not provide a remedy. The struggle also demonstrates the need for sustained community action and political engagement to combat developers who leverage legal loopholes to their advantage.

We continue to depend on the support of the entire community. Your support is key in this prolonged fight for the green spaces in our community – all 1,137 acres. We cannot allow an interloper to destroy the character, beauty and economics of our homes and community for your profit!

Come see us at “Hi Neighbor” and get involved as a volunteer, donor, email blast member, or sponsor. It takes a village to protect a village and its green spaces! We need you!

Please forward this email to your friends and neighbors to keep them in the loop and encourage them to sign up for my email blasts at our website.

Best regards,

Ellie Anderson

President

Save Sun City Center

312-282-7337