Ellie’s News July 2, 2024

Hope this note finds you all enjoying your summer.

The one thing we seem to be able to count on is that change is a constant.

While I don’t usually like to talk about politics, we are in the season of politics with a host of local actions and election related moves.

On June 11th, Mike Owen, our District 4 Hillsborough County Commissioner, resigned to pursue election to state office as State Representative from District 70 replacing Mike Beltrane who is not seeking reelection.

Christine Miller, a Republican, and  president and chief executive officer of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, jumped from the crowded countywide District 6 race to run for Owen’s District 4 seat.

Then on June 26^th, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Christine Miller to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to Mike Owen’s vacated seat as commissioner in District 4

The field of Commissioner candidates as of June 26^th  is:

Office: County Commissioner, Dist. 2

Patricia Altagracia Alonzo (DEM)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

David Coleman (WRI)

status(Active-Withdrawn)

 

Ken Hagan (REP)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Melissa Nordbeck (REP)

 

Office: County Commissioner, Dist. 4

Jonathon T. Chavez (DEM)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Christine Miller (REP)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Michael Owen (REP)

status(Active-Redesignated)

 

Nicole Payne (DEM)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Cody Powell (REP)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Matthew Taylor (NPA)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Office: County Commissioner, Dist. 6

Chris Boles (REP)

 

Sonja P. Brookins (DEM)

status(Inactive–Redesignated)

 

Sonja P. Brookins (DEM)

status(Active-Withdrawn)

 

Jim Davison (REP)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Cynthia Fuentes (DEM)

status(Active-Withdrawn)

 

Mark Nash (DEM)

status(Active-Redesignated)

 

Sean Shaw (DEM)

status(Active-Qualified)

 

Mariella Smith (DEM)

status(Active-Withdrawn)

 

Rico Smith (REP)

status(Active-Withdrawn)

 

Joseph Ryan Taylor (DEM)

status(Active-Qualified)

This real-time information is available online at :  https://www.votehillsborough.gov/CANDIDATES/Local-Candidates

We’ll need to pay close attention and seek in person candidate opportunities in the coming months to confirm their position publicly relative to development in Sun City Center.  I encourage everyone to do so. I will also be speaking with some of our politically involved and connected folks in the community to get their take.

Johnathon Chavez called me on Wednesday and met with me privately and expressed his support for our cause.

I would suspect that given that our Commissioner seat is influx, ClubLink will not file any development rezoning application for Sun City Center until at least next year when the dust from the elections settles.

On the Pebble Creek Golf Course judicial appeal on the 5 – 2 vote denying rezoning approval for that residential development project in New Tampa, the original decision was quashed. See attached ruling.

Now the Commissioners must elect a new course – perhaps an appeal to the court’s decision, a reversal of their position or reopening the matter. The ball is in the Commissioners hands at this point. We have to wait and see.

In the interim, I suggest that we all flood the Commissioner with letters of support for preserving both Sun City Center and Pebble Beach from more residential development of existing golf course green spaces. That can be done via email via the County’s website.

We live in an awesome country that needs us all to be involved, participating citizens to create the future of our community, country and the world. Please do your part and be an informed voter and advocate for what you believe is fair, just and best for the common good of all our citizens.

That’s all I have for now folks!

Keep cool and enjoy your 4^th of July.

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

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.”

 ClubLink Annual Report 2023

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 13^thFloor. 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 13^th 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 6^th..

“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

Ellie’s Notes April 21, 2024

Hello Fellow Sun City Center Neighbors and Friends,

As the weather begins to warm up, I hope these Notes find you all in good health and enjoying the approach of summer.

Please feel free to forward this email to friends who might be interested or have them register on our website for future communications.

We continue to watch for the release of TWC Enterprises Limited’s (the parent company of ClubLink) 2023 annual report, but it has not been published yet.

The only remaining ClubLink, USA, operating golf courses in the U.S. are in Florida. They are:

Eagle Trace – Coral Springs, FL

Palm Aire Country Club – Pompano Beach, FL

Club Renaissance Golf Club – Sun City Center, FL

Scepter Golf Club – Sun City Center, FL

Given that at their peak, there were 13 ClubLink operating golf properties in Florida, it seems that ClubLink prefers real estate development to operating golf courses, at least in this neck of the woods.

Interestingly, after two years from when ClubLink made their announcement about the changes they planned for Sun City golf courses, there have been no filings by ClubLink or a developer to proceed with any development or rezoning in Sun City Center or Kings Point to date.

The battle over Pebble Creek Golf Course in New Tampa Hillsborough County continues. The Hillsborough County Commissioners defeated the rezoning of the course on July 18, 2023, in a 5 to 2 vote, halting GL Homes’ proposed plan for some 250 single family homes in the community.

GL Homes has sought legal redress in the 13th Judicial Circuit court, seeking to overturn the Hillsborough County Commissioner’s decision. On Jan. 12, 2024, the County filed its response. No decision has been made at this point, but the County’s filing provides excellent input for our case against development of the courses in Sun City Center and Kings Point.

Another of our neighboring courses in Hillsborough County – Walden Lakes Golf Course in Plant City – is also seeking resolution after the Plant City Planning and Zoning team denied a Preliminary Plat request filed with them by Walden Lake, LLC , the developer.

We are continuing to monitor these situations as they proceed.

Stay well and stay cool until next time.

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – 3/23/2024

Hello Fellow Sun City Center Neighbors and Friends,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at FunFest. Your enthusiasm for continuing to oppose development in our community was so encouraging.  A special thanks to our great volunteers at our table, engaging with everyone.

Can you believe it? Two years ago today, we received ClubLink’s devastating announcement of their plans to develop residential housing on the golf courses here in Sun City Center. The details are available via the SCC CA website.

Although some in our community believe this is a done deal, IT IS NOT! ClubLink does not have the required zoning permission to develop on Sandpiper or Caloosa Greens golf courses. The only SCC course they own in Sun City Center zoned for residential development is the North Course with a zoning designation of RSC-6, meaning single-family residential with conventional 6 units per acre. And this has been the case for a long time and is not a recent change. Confirmation of this via email from the Hillsborough County Development Services Office is attached.

And although ClubLink promised they would be back to provide an update and more definitive details, that has not happened in two years. We are left to wonder and worry about when we will learn of their true plans and what we can expect at that point.  Although they indicated they are our community partner, they certainly have not acted in good faith.

In the meantime, our organization committed to the protection of our golf courses and green spaces, remaining vigilant by monitoring activities and developments related to our golf courses. We watch all redevelopment efforts throughout Florida and beyond, absorbing the information in the public domain and news about ClubLink.

We also are attempting to remain ready for ClubLink’s first public actions to proceed in Sun City Center. For example, we monitor all zoning applications affecting the Sun City Center area via the Hillsborough County email notification system. We also scour the Internet for any pertinent developments, including changes, challenges or legislative decisions like the Live Local Act that could affect any related filings for permission to proceed with development.

Sun City Center, since its founding by Del Webb in 1960, was designed to be a self-contained senior golfing community with a significant focus on outdoor recreation. Indeed, golf courses and outdoor recreation are part of the DNA of our community!

And it all began with the development and opening of the North Lakes Course in 1964, designed by Ron Garl and created by Del Webb, and continued through the development of Club Renaissance in 2002, designed by Chip Powell and developer WCI. These courses are an integral part of the community design and ethos, and they should never be developed as additional housing!

To further illustrate the point, I’ve attached scans of brochures from Florida Design Communities (1998)Florida Design Communities Sun City Center Brochure 1998

and WCI (2000)

WCI Sun City Center Brochure 2000as the developers of Sun City Center prior to Minto’s closeout in 2019.

May the force be with us as we fight to prevail!

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – 3/1/2024

Hello Sun City Center,

If you have friends, neighbors, or associates that could benefit from our SaveSCC email blasts, please forward this communique to them. Anyone can sign up as a member and receive our email blasts by going to our web site and registering.

Fun Fest  

Sun City Center Fun Fest – Saturday, March 9,2024, 9 -2, SCC Central Campus, 1009 N Pebble Beach Blvd.  FREE park and ride from South Campus, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd.

This is a fabulous opportunity to support the community as a whole and have a great time.  Visit with representatives of our local SCC Clubs and organizations, have some great food, make new friends and connections enjoy some entertainment.

 Save Sun City Center will be there at booth 71, on the NW corner of the display tables by the shuffle board area and Needle Crafters.

If you have not signed our petition asking the Hillsborough County Commissioners to deny any development rezoning or permits for the SCC golf courses, this would be a great opportunity to do so.

We’d love to see you and address any questions you have.  We’d also be happy to accept any donations in person or via our web site – SaveCCC.org.

We need volunteers to man our table so if you as so inclined, please contact Carol Hugill via email at cah5652@gmail.com and she’ll get you on the schedule

All my news that is fit to print.

Today seemed like a good time to change it up. I’ve been asked repeatedly if anything is happening with ClubLink and their development plans? Are our efforts are “dead in the water?” The follow-up question; what is the prognosis for success?

Just the facts, two simple points 

ClubLink has not submitted their development plans or application to Hillsborough County. We continue to receive notices on all applications filed and there has not been one for ClubLink. They have no zoning approval to proceed. They could try to leverage the Live Local Act to bypass the normal process but there is no indication of that to date.

Only they know their plan and timeframe and they are not talking.

ClubLink was invited by Mike Blaine and his organization of Club Renaissance residents to a community meeting coming up in March but I doubt they will show and they have not responded to his certified notices to them.

In 2009 the Greater Sun City Community Plan was published after some 20 public meetings, much discussion and information gathering and many revisions. On the SSC website, go to the Community Plan to read it. The plan clearly states that green spaces will be protected and expanded if possible. Tied in with this statement is the wildlife, water conservation, adequate health services for community members, transportation and quality of life. This is in direct conflict with ClubLink’s desires. Thank goodness for the foresight of residents who were able to see into  the future.

Second, the CA board is charged with protecting all existing stakeholders and not adopting contrary zoning codes to satisfy developers. In this case, the will of the people rules and additional revenue streams or an increased tax base should not come into play. As I interpret their mission, they are elected to guide and support the inhabitants of Sun City Center.

Strong and getting stronger every day

At the outset, our goal was to stand resolutely against obliterating more green space (golf courses) thereby protecting the investments of those who choose to settle in Greater Sun City Center. By taking this action, the wildlife, the clean environment, water usage, the roads, reasonable healthcare and the ability to be active would be safe from development and preserved for recreation use only in the future as needs and tastes change. This mission to protect our golf courses and green spaces will never change.

A group of extremely concerned citizens came together to try to block ClubLink’s unconscionable plan to close and development multiple courses in our community and block development of more than five hundred new homes on these properties (as if the area is not congested enough). We have a small active and committed group who are moving mountains, but we need more help if we are to ultimately succeed.

“Knowledge is power”

If you have a little time on your hands when not on the course, playing pickleball, going to CA Club activities, walking, running, at the gym, out with friends and family or vacationing, please join us. We specifically need good researchers and intelligent thoughtful individuals.  Just email to us  getinvolved@SaveSCC.org.

To understand what ClubLink is actually up to and how other efforts to develop have unfolded, Huron Bay, the Woodlands, and Palm Aire come to mind. We can learn from their strategies and mistakes and we will be ahead of the game. How does ClubLink operate in these situations and what signs do we need to watch for? Since the original plans were unveiled, we have not heard anything except the closure of Sandpiper last June 1, 2023. Can anyone find out what is going on? With seven golf courses at risk in one area, our community is very vulnerable as a potential goldmine for ClubLink. Are they working in secret, cutting deals to try to secure the agreement of the Zoning board and CA?

• In the past, the CA has made decisions regarding these courses without consulting the membership. We have new people on the board and want to know what they are thinking and doing? Is anything going on behind the scenes at the CA or are they just as much in the dark as we are? The ClubLink wagons are circling, and we need to be armed and ready for the fight.
• In the end, if and when we succeed, and ClubLink is prohibited from touching our courses, what happens? We must have a plan or options in place. If you are a strategic thinker and accustomed to long-range planning, please join our “we won, now what” committee or one of our other vital committees.

“ More hands make lighter work.”

The Live Local Development Act

https://commercialobserver.com/2024/01/florida-live-local-act-critics-affordable-housing/

So this is where we are. The signs are encouraging and we think right is on our side but we know nothing can be taken for granted. Keep encouraging friends and neighbors to sign petitions. There is much work to be done to load our quiver with facts and a compelling legal case against development.  Preparation, good intelligence and well-conceived actions and plans are essential to our success.

While we have made great progress and are continuing to improve our information base, we still have much strategic work to accomplish.

Many of us will not rest until our community is safe but we are burned out, sick, and exhausted and need more people willing to serve. Help us keep pushing the boulder up the hill. I’m really tired and I need you!

If we fail to resist, others would be far too quick to go along and approve ClubLink’s plans.  Please don’t let that be our fate. Get Involved Now!

ClubLink has too much to gain and we have too much to lose. This could be a long, protracted, and very resource (time, dollars and scope) intensive struggle. They spent over $10 million to pursue Glen Abby before giving up, what do you think they’ll do to have their way with 7 golf courses in one community?

Connect with us via email at GetInvolved@SaveSCC.org.

If it is to be, it is up to “we”! And you are part of “we”.

Ruthie and I will be out of the town cruising over the next two weeks but will be back and reinvigorated by mid-March.

All the best !

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – Save Sun City Center,  1/16/2024

Hope that your holidays were happy and healthy and that 2024 brings all you hope for.

Things have been quiet as far as we know on the ClubLink golf course development front here in Sun City Center. Nothing has come to fruition and no application has been filed for any golf course related projects by Club Link with the county to the best of our knowledge.

I think it is an appropriate time to give thanks to those who continue to do their part as members of the Save Sun Center group to seek to influence our community and government leaders to protect our green spaces and golf courses from residential development. It is only through these efforts that we will prevail to preserve our community as we know and love it.

We have not held meetings as there is little new news to discuss but there still remains much behind the scenes work. Unfortunately, a number of our volunteers have had personal and health issues that have precluded their continued involvement. We are looking for new blood to join as members, committee workers and board members. If you are so inclined, we could really use your help.  We can only pursue this work with sufficient human and financial resources.  Please email us at info@SaveSCC.org to get involved or donate.

ClubLink has seen some success in their efforts in Canada to develop Kanata Golf and Country Club in Ottawa with 1,460 housing units.  Legal wrangles have been ongoing since 2017 and in the last round, ClubLink has prevailed to the dismay of local residents. For more details see the article from CBC News.

Actions and developments with regard to the Live Local Act signed into law in July by Ron De Santos continue. The law was designed to increase affordable worker housing opportunities in Florida. It allows developers to bypass local government approval for multifamily development in areas zoned for commercial or mixed uses, if at least 40% of the units are for affordable housing. The Live Local Act also negates the need for a zoning or land use change, special exceptions or comprehensive plan amendments for qualified projects.

Per the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the first Hillsborough County Live Local Act project moving forward to the permitting phase is the next phase of Progress Village which includes 600 apartments in Tampa.

As a number of folks, including the county commissioners and county development services, have continued to say, the nuances and interpretation of the Live Local Act have yet to be flushed out. It appears somewhat murky and can be a point of disagreement between local officials and developers. This is also true in the case of golf course redevelopment.

A recent Plant City Observer article on November 9, 2023 regarding the owner’s (Walden Lake LLC) efforts to proceed with the Walden Lakes Golf Course redevelopment project under the Live Local Act were found by the Plant City Planning and Zoning and legal team as not applicable to the property. Plant City refused to consider the preliminary plat that was submitted.

A subsequent Plant City Observer article on November 30, 2023 indicates that the Walden Lake LLC in response filed a complaint in the Thirteenth Judicial Court of Florida to clarify the legal rights and obligations of both Plant City and the landowner – Walden Lakes LLC hoping to affirm their right to develop the project under the Live Local Act.  We’ll keep watching to see how things develop and will keep you posted.

In Tamarac in Broward County, Florida at the Woodlands Golf Club owned by ClubLink and under contract to 13^th Floor for redevelopment, the Woodlands Country Club Clubhouse is scheduled for demolition with the permit issued and completion expected by February 2024. This is the first step in preparation for the construction of the new Recreation Pod included in the Development Agreement with the City of Tamarac and the Woodlands Holding Company (13^th Floor) for their golf course redevelopment residential project.

May 2024 let us see no progress toward residential development here in Sun City Center by ClubLink! Let them focus elsewhere!

Best Regards,

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – 10/7/23

IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding the LIVE LOCAL ACT new legislation! Please read this communication carefully.

Hello All,

It was great to see so many of you at Mike Owen’s Town Hall meeting at the SCC Community Center on September 26^th.  The SaveSCC tee shirts made a great impression. Thank you!

Per the CA, we were not allowed to petition or sell tee shirts. Too Bad!

The only topic that Mike Owens spoke to from the podium was his support of our cause to deny development of the golf courses. Of course these things are never over until they’re over and even then they come back to life.

I did speak with a number of the county representatives related to our courses and I am following up on some outstanding questions. As information becomes available, I will keep you posted.

One item I did explore was what courses in Sun City Center are receiving reclaimed water for irrigation – per the county staff representative who called me, both Caloosa and Freedom Fairways receive reclaimed water for irrigation but none of the ClubLink courses. There had been a Capital Project N804 to extend reclaimed water transmission mains but once courses were being closed, the project was canceled.

I had reported to you of the success defeating the zoning and development application for Walden Lakes Golf course redevelopment before the Plant City Zoning Commission to deny approval in a 3 to 2 vote earlier this year.  A new application was filed on October 4, 2023 leveraging the Live Local Act signed in July by Governor DeSantis that could allow bypassing of local zoning and community plans in an effort to secure approval for their new development plan that includes affordable housing.  This is a very important development to watch as it could have direct bearing on development plans for Sun City Center. Here is a link to a newspaper article on the situation – https://www.plantcityobserver.com/developer-leverages-live-local-act-to-submit-new-development-plans-to-city/.  

Development projects providing affordable housing leveraging this new law are still playing out and the particulars will be hammered out as applications are acted upon and litigated. This is one of the areas our group will follow up with the County on.

In Tamarac, Fl at the Woodlands Golf Course, ClubLink and their development partner 13^th Floor just had a Public Hearing:

CITY OF TAMARAC 
PLANNING BOARD AND CITY COMMISSION 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS 

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Public Hearing will be held before the PLANNING BOARD of the CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at or after 9:00 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall at 7525 NW 88 Avenue, Tamarac, FL 33321. 

YOU ARE ALSO HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Public Hearing to consider the same application will be held before the CITY COMMISSION of the CITY OF TAMARAC, FLORIDA on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at or after 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall, located at 7525 NW 88th Avenue, Tamarac, Florida 33321. 

The following request for the Woodlands Country Club project will be considered: 

PETITIONER: Michael Nunziata, 13th Floor Woodlands HB GP, designated agent for the property owner, Clublink US, LLC, is requesting approval of:  
CASE NO.: 14-SP-19: Site Plan Approval (Major) – Quasi-Judicial  
PETITION: Requesting approval of a Major Revised Site Plan application to allow for the development of a total three hundred thirty-five (335) residential single family lots within the following areas of the Woodlands Country Club property: Pod A, nineteen (19) dwelling units (location: west of White Oak Lane); Pod B, thirty-six (36) dwelling units (location: south of Red Oak Circle and Blue Jack Oak Circle); Pod C, thirty-one (31) dwelling units (location: south of Guava Drive); Pod D, twenty five (25) dwelling units (location: south of Banyan Lane); Pod E, seven (7) dwelling units (location: between Woodlands Boulevard and Coco Palm Drive); Pod F North, twenty-seven (27) dwelling units (location: between Red Cypress Lane and Bayberry Lane); Pod F South, thirty-five (35) dwelling units (location: east of N Travelers Palm Lane); Pod G, one hundred thirty-nine (139) dwelling units (location: east and south of King Palm Drive); and Pod H, sixteen (16) dwelling units (location: south of Orchard Tree Lane).

This notice was a Classified Ad Notice in the Sentinel available online at  https://classifieds.sunsentinel.com/fl/notices/city-of-tamarac-planning-board/AC1E0322164bb118F6DIFmD0E097.

I do not know the outcome of the hearing currently but will investigate further.

It is also time for ClubLink members to renew and pay their annual dues.  The interesting fact is that this year instead of the renewal letter being under Paul Ascioti’s name alone as in previous years, it was closed:

Sincerely Yours,

Julian Gil

Director of Operations

Eagle Trace Golf Club

Rodion Gomez

Director of Operations

Palm Aire Country Club

Paul Ascoiti

Director of Operations

Sun City Center

Palm Aire (3 courses- Palms, Oak & Cypress) and Trace Eagle (1 course) are the only other ClubLink owned courses that are still operating in Florida other than Scepter and Renaissance here in Sun City Center.  By my tally, since 2010, ClubLink spent  USD $27.3 M plus ClubLink Gold Memberships for all equity members at the Woodlands to acquire 13 operating and 1 closed golf course.  Since then they have closed 7, for 8 closed and 6 operating as of now. Of the closed courses- they sold Heron Bay for $32M in 2021, and the Woodlands is under contract to 13^th Floor, terms unknown.

ClubLink has a number of  US golf course development projects in play:

United States

Palm Aire Country Club – Pompano Beach, FL (Broward County)  Per Florida South Business Journal Article 7/17/2023 ClubLink has agreed to sell a portion of their property to Morguard Management Co. (K. Rai Sahi is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morguard and has been associated with them since 1997  and is President & CEO of ClubLink). MSA Architects designed the project that would include 286 units (112 – 1 bed, 154 -2 bed, 203 bed) ranging from 735 sq ft to 1,333 sq ft in four 5-story buildings plus two 2-story “carriage house” buildings, a 9,130 sq ft residential clubhouse, pool, parking and a 7,162 sq ft golf clubhouse.  See article at https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2023/07/17/palm-aire-country-club-pompano-beach-redevelopment.html.

Woodlands Golf Club – Tamarac, FL (Broward County)  – hearing and project overview is above.

Sun City Center Golf Courses – Sun City Center, Fl (Hillsborough County) – Per ClubLink 2022 Annual Report page 32 – “The Company is considering strategic options for its remaining Florida land holdings including underutilized land in Sun City Center

Canada 

Summary information on ClubLink’s golf redevelopment projects can be found in ClubLink’s 2022 Annual Report, pages 31- 32, at https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDF/TSX_TWC_2022.pdf.

In other local news, Leslie Green, a homeowner and strong opponent against the development of Pebble Creek Golf Course, sued by the owner Bill Pace of Ace Golf, was unsuccessful in her motion to dismiss the suit brought for damages for defamation and false statements siting dissent as protected speech “saying it amounted to a strategic lawsuit against public participation. Known commonly by the acronym SLAPP, such suits are prohibited by state law. “Per the judge’s ruling, it is not and the suit continues.  https://www.tampabay.com/news/2023/09/14/closed-golf-course-new-tampa-anti-slapp/

As you can see from the above tidbits, there is lots going on a number of fronts.

As the snowbirds return, I am asking our various committees to reconvene and renew their efforts. It is only through good and thorough work that we will prevail. The landscape keeps shifting and there are new strategies that may be employed to circumvent any safeguards and obstacles that are in place. We must remain vigilant. If you have brains and time, we need you as a volunteer.  We have lots of opportunities for you to engage in. Just let us know via email to getinvolved@SaveSCC,org and we’ll put you to work.

Take care and please stay abreast of news within our community and beyond.  We need informed citizens to guide our progress in these challenging times!

I do my best to keep it accurate and up to date and provide you with sources but also trust but please verify!  We do not want to spread erroneous or incorrect information.

Please pass this on to your friends!

Best regards,

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – 9/25/23

Hello All,

Ruthie and I have just returned from our world-wind vacation 25-day cruise followed by several days of private touring in Italy.  It truly was the trip of a lifetime for us and a well-deserved break.

I can see much has been happening here during my absence.

I’d like to encourage everyone to attend tomorrow night’s Town Hall Meeting from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd with Mike Owens, our District 4 Commissioner, and representatives from the various Hillsborough County departments including Development Services. Please wear your SaveSCC tee shirt if you have one and be prepared with your questions. This is your chance to be heard. Don’t miss it!

We’re also planning on having the SaveSCC petitions for the County Commissioners available for signature if you haven’t signed yet and possibly tee shirts available for a $20.00 donation.

As our District Commissioner, Mike Owens will play a crucial role when ClubLink plans are submitted for approval for golf course redevelopment in Sun City Center.  We need his support and that of the other Commissioners to deny development and he needs to know from the entire community unequivocally that we demand our golf courses be used for recreation, not residential development, as stipulated in Greater Sun City Center Community Plan!

Volunteers are needed to man our tables.  If you are so inclined, just visit us at tables and pitch in!

I hope to see you all tomorrow at the meeting.

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

Ellie’s Notes – 7/30/23 HELP WANTED!

Hello all – Hope this mid-summer finds you healthy and happy. Many are traveling up North trying to escape the Florida heat.

I have been busy working to protecting our golf courses and will share some highlights shortly. I am urgently requesting some assistance.  I can’t be the primary chief cook and bottle washer in our efforts. I need help if I am to continue to lead this community quest to preserve our lifestyles, protect our golf courses, and ensure the future of our community.

Personal Assistant

I am looking for a personal assistant to become my right hand and auxiliary brain before mine explodes. I do this work as a labor of love for a community that I find second to none. The satisfaction this challenging work has brought and the hope that we may succeed in stopping Clublink is enough. We have smart people, a terrific community, and the raw materials for Sun City Center 2.0. Let’s get a few brave, intelligent, and caring folks to make our community even better.  It is possible to prevail, and the proposed development is far from a done deal. So please if you can find it in your wheelhouse, volunteer to team up to work directly with me on our day-to-day efforts.  I will be out of the country, and someone must fill in while I’m gone to make sure nothing gets away from us or is missed. It is vital.  Thanks for your consideration. Please call me to discuss at 312-282-7337.

SaveSCC Corporate Secretary Needed

Due to the sickness and passing of her father and the need to settle his affairs out of state, Tami Mondy has resigned as SaveSCC Corporate Secretary.  We are seeking candidates to fill this critical board position. If you are interested, please contact me.

Radio Spots

I am pleased to share that I have been in the studio with Sun Radio and Grace FM working on radio spots and shows to continue to pump up awareness and the good news of our promising prospects as we lead the efforts to save the centerpiece golf courses and greens spaces. We are closer to preserving the wonderful character of our neighborhoods and lifestyles here in Sun City Center.

I will send you a blast with airtime for extended programs.

A Question for Everyone to Ponder

What community in its right mind would allow a key amenity integral to the lifestyle, open vistas, wildlife, health, environment, and future to be placed under the control of a third party as owner and operator?  Golf Courses here are 24 % of the land use, second only to residential housing at 34%.  Whether through faulty thinking, short sightedness, or apathy,  wouldn’t you want to correct and neutralize this threat at the lowest cost possible? It is not too late. We must stop development as the first step, but it will take a village – our village – every HOA, every resident, every club, and our CA board to make SCC secure. Let’s get to work!  Go to our web site to join, donate or volunteer. we need you!

Exclusive Freedom Plaza Save Sun City Center Presentation

With the support and approval of Freedom Plaza’s Executive Director – Angie Rohr, I held an exclusive event for Freedom Plaza residents to promote Save Sun City Center and our efforts to protect the golf courses. We got some great exposure, donations and some additional volunteers to help advance the cause. Here is the flyer:

Save Sun City Center (SaveSCC) Presentation

 “Protecting and Preserving the Greater SCC  Area Golf Courses from Development by ClubLink”

Tuesday, June 13 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Freedom Plaza Auditorium

 Presented by Ellie Anderson  – President and Founder of SaveSCC and New Freedom Plaza Resident

ClubLink is owner of seven of the 10 golf courses in the Greater Sun City Center Area, and their development plans proposed to the community on March 23, 2022, represent an existential threat to the centerpiece golf courses and green spaces in our community. ClubLink intends to pursue residential development on some of their 1,200+ acres of land in the community to realize greater profits from their real estate holdings here.  From their point of view, there is more money in development than closed or underperforming golf courses.

Save Sun City Center is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization working to preserve our golf courses and green spaces for future recreational use only. Ultimately, ClubLink’s development plans will require application to the county and approval from the Hillsborough County Commissioners for their project to proceed.  SaveSCC is working to prevent ClubLink from gaining approval of their application before the county by mounting a successful case against rezoning and having the community as a whole resist ClubLink’s efforts.

During this presentation, you will learn how SaveSCC got here, and how you can help prevent this threat to our community’s future and quality of life. We don’t need more houses, traffic, demands on our infrastructure, including water, which is already restricted and suffering low pressure, along with stormwater run-off and management, decreasing EMS response times threatening life and property, as well as the increase of airborne toxic particles and noise through this large-scale building project.

Please come and see what this is all about and how you can help! Come and share the passion for our lifestyle and community. We want to educate you and enlist your help to ensure this residential plan by ClubLink does not come to fruition.

For more information in the interim, please consult SaveSCC’s website at SaveSCC.org or call Ellie at 312-282-7337.

Hope to see you there!

Possible Upcoming Fundraisers 

We’ve got two fundraisers we are exploring. A Save Sun City Center Golf Event and SaveSCC Golf Cart Washes.  We are assembling volunteers to explore, plan and make these events come to fruition. Would you like to be involved?  Let’s make it happen together. Email us at GetInvolved@SaveSCC.org.

Keep the faith and share our email with your SCC friends, neighbors, HOA members and Club Members.  Let’s get the word out!

Hope you’re having as great a summer as I am.

Best to everyone!

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337

 

 

 

 

Ellie’s Notes – 7/19/23

Hope this communique finds you well in this hot, hot, hot summer!

The SaveSCC team has been busy behind the scenes and in public working to advance our efforts to protect our golf courses.  A special shout and thanks to Carol Hugill and her team who continue their efforts to gather signatures on our petition for the County Commissioners. They were at the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and the response was excellent from many supporters. Mike Newsom had also continued in his efforts with Commissioner Owens and his office, Brains Grady – HCC Development Service and Adam Gormly, Department Director – HCC Develop Services. They have confirmed that there has been no pre-application conference or communication of application files by ClubLink or anyone else concerning the golf courses in our community as of late last month.

Also thanks to Garry Higgins and Larry Bender for work fixing our email blast list. This will be the first use since they have loaded and sanitized our listserver.

On the great new front, the Pebble Creek Golf Course Redevelopment Plan (MM 23-0132) in Hillsborough County (HC) was defeated at the HC Board of County Commissioners’ Land Use Meeting 7/18/23 by a vote of 5 to 2.

In my opinion, their case was not as strong as our case. They did not have a local community plan demanding:

“GOLF COURSES

• Maintain and protect existing golf course(s) and insure that they are dedicated for future recreational use only. “
• And community support against development is at 90% based on our polling and petition efforts.  Per the Hillsborough County’s reckoning bases on their calls, letters and email on Pebble Creek, their support was 20% for and 80% against.)

Please watch the hearing at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61097zou9Fk&list=PLZwNyAnHaDIti2GLsDni9UU0UsRjUHgRN&index=75

For the whole hearing on MM 23 -1032 go to 1:46 on the video.

For just the Board comments and vote on MM 23 -1032 go to 2:35 on the video

You really need to listen to the Board’s comments.  This is great news that points the way to our future success but know that there will be many challenges.

We need volunteers for our many committees to ensure we do our homework and prepare for success.  It is kind of like the iceberg, 90% of the work is below the water line in prep and ground work, before the 10% in the home stretch.  No matter your skills or how much or little time you have, we need you.  Do not let us or your community down. It takes the whole community!

I will be out of the country from August 21 until late September with very limited access to the Internet and email.  I am trying to get five folks who will agree to monitor via email notifications for zoning applications and HC web site new zoning requests so we do not get blindsided. Email to info@savescc.org  to volunteer. I will provide training via zoom.  We do not want to miss any action regarding our golf courses. Thanks!

 Please help us!

Ellie Anderson

312-282-7337