The first reading of the ordinance to annex nearly 27 acres owned by Robert E. Bodiford and Ryan W. Bodiford was held July 20, 2020. According to City Planner Steve Gouldman and City Attorney Nancy Stuparich, the voluntary annexation met the appropriate requirements.
The County objected to the annexation stating that it would create an enclave. According to Stuparich, the disputed area was a retention pond owned by DOT, making it equivalent to a right of way and therefore not an enclave.
Located south of Wiscon Road, the property is divided into two large sections. One section is along the west side of Broad Street and another is adjacent to Mason Smith Road. The property also includes a portion of the Seagate, which is a subdivision within the City of Brooksville. Argus Acquisitions, LLC intends to develop the property but first, it must be annexed by the City of Brooksville. Argus plans to develop approximately 200 residential lots between the subject property and adjacent property.
The second reading, scheduled for Aug. 10, 2020, was rescheduled for the following week to allow time for the City and County to discuss the annexation.
The following day, Aug. 11, 2020, Gouldman received an email from Don Lacey, Senior Vice President of Coastal Engineering Associates, who represented the owners.
At the Aug. 17, 2020 meeting, Gouldman said the applicants would not pursue annexation of the property as it was presented, and City staff agreed to the application withdrawal.
Lacey advised Council that the owners do want the property annexed. One avenue is to approach DOT with the intention to purchase the retention pond. Another option is to split the property and annex a portion. Lacey said they will reapply once they determine how the application will be modified.
Vice Mayor Pat Brayton moved that the City take no further action on the application due to its withdrawal. Council Member Betty Erhard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
