🚨 URGENT: SHOW UP & SPEAK OUT! TV Interview ABC Channel 28, Monday, May 4th, 8:15 am 🚨

SavesSCC Members and Supporters,

We have a major opportunity to bring our fight against the golf course development to the front pages and morning news!

Keely McCormick, a reporter with Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS | WXPX), is coming to Sun City Center Monday morning, May 4th,  to cover the concerns regarding the proposed development. She is looking for a large group of residents to show the scale of our opposition.

While the news crew sets the schedule, we are doing our best to adjust and ensure we have a massive turnout.  Let’s show the media—and the developers—that we are united!

📅 WHEN & WHERE

• Date:  Monday, May 4th
• Time: 8:15 AM (Sharp!)
• Location: On La Jolla Ave by the pond behind the Security Patrol.  Please stay on the public road way. We do not have permission to be on ClubLink or CA Property.  You see us there with our Green SaveSCC tees.

• TV Crew and Filming is scheduled for 8:30.

👕 WHAT TO WEAR & BRING

• Wear your SaveSCC T-Shirts! Let’s create a sea of green to make a powerful visual impact on camera.
• Bring your yard signs and banners! We want the background of every shot to show our message: “Golf Courses for Recreation, Not Development!”
• Bring your neighbors, friends, club members, HOA or COA associates, etc! The reporter specifically requested a large group to demonstrate how many people are affected.

📢 WHY THIS MATTERS

The more people we have on-site, the stronger our message becomes. High-quality video of a large, passionate crowd is exactly what gets picked up by major networks. This is our chance to show that Sun City Center will not stand for the destruction and development of our recreational spaces.

Background Info & Coordination: If you have specific questions, call me, Ellie Anderson, President and Spokesperson – Save Sun City Center at 312-282-7337 or via email at getinvolved@savescc.org.

Let’s show up in force. See you Monday at 8:15 AM!

From a planning perspective, I hoped we could film in front of the historical marker by the Community Association (CA) Office on the North Campus for Sun City Center, Florida’s First Planned Retirement Community to put our fight and plight into perspective.

Unfortunately, when I sought permission to do so from Ron Clark, he responded that he needed to assess the matter and would get back to me shortly. He was otherwise engaged and via Lyn Reitz, property manager, let me know the decision. I was advised that the CA attorneys advised not to allow the filming on the development challenges ahead on CA property and for the CA to remain neutral.

The residents of this community have taken a stand with more than 90% for recreational use of the golf courses only, not development.  How can a Community Association that represents the residents who are against development remain neutral?  Is that in the community’s or resident’s best interest?

Ellie Note’s –  Meeting Wednesday 4/22/26

Hello,

Our SaveSCC Informational meeting is Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Sun City Center Community Hall. Doors open at 4 pm. Meeting starts at 5 pm. Sorry for any confusion caused by the article in the Observer.

The Save SCC meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22 in the 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, as well as provide Save SCC promotional materials for a donation.

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

Among key recent concerns are reports by residents near the North Lakes Golf Course that they have seen contractors conducting soil testing on the golf course, as well as others doing land surveying. The North Lakes course is one of five closed golf courses owned by ClubLink and targeted for possible rezoning and development.

The Press release was provided via email.

Commissioner Christine Miller’s Follow up from Town Hall Meeting in Sun City Center on March 30, 2026

I wanted to share the email and statement sent from Commissioner Miller to attendee who provided their information after her Town Hall Meeting here in Sun City Center.  There was an overflow crowd that required overflow into the adjacent room making things challenging from an audio perspective. She spoke briefly and then meet with those who had questions. She brought representatives from a number of County department who had table around the room to interact and answer constituent questions.

Please find her email and follow-up communication in the email you received if you are subscribed to the newsletter.

If you are not subscribed to the newsletter, you can register here: SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAILS

Hope to see you on Wednesday at the Community Hall!

Best regards,

Ellie Anderson

President – SaveSCC

312-282-7337

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.

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

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 14^th 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

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 11^th 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