Lake County commissioners tried to push ahead with plans to save Long and Scott’s farms from development this week, but Leslie Campion Committee Chairman closed the debate.
Still, Commissioner Anthony Sabatini revealed at the committee’s meeting Tuesday that the county hopes to use public funds to preserve the labor farm. Lake County voters approved 80% of the $50 million Lakeforeverbond referendum last November, but funds are not available until 2026.
Growhspotter first reported that the Scott family, which has been farming at Zellwood since the 1960s, would change their land use classification and zoning in December to allow for the development of an active adult community with 18-hole golf courses and other recreational amenities.
Long and Scott Farm near Zelwood are being maintained for the golf community
“So, rather than talking about zoning, we’re not talking about comp plans,” Sabatini said. “But for now we are basically a crisis in this county because the county has failed miserably for decades to protect certain elements of its community.
He said the committee members wanted to direct funds from a bond referendum, buy agricultural easements from a small number of farmers, and prevent sales to developers. Sabatini has already reached out to the Scotts to begin debate, and Hank Scott said he is open to entertaining counter offers from the county.
However, Campione cuts off the conversation, indicating that the fate of that particular property was not appropriate for the agenda for discussion.
“We have to stop at this moment,” Campione said. “And I don’t think we can have a conversation about a particular property, period of time. We can talk about land use in an abstract way. We can talk about conservation easements in an abstract way.”
She also told Sabatini that she would not win support from fellow commissioners by opening his arguments saying the county had “failed miserably” to protect the country’s land. “To be clear, I think it’s clear that the county’s comp plans have been given very high status for the last 25 years, and that’s the reality.”
Long and Scott’s farms are longtime grass and produce growers, including “Zelwood Sweet Corn,” cucumber, cabbage, collards and kale, located on 679 acres along Duda Road, west of Tangerine. The family-owned company also operates markets and cafes, hosting a labyrinth that strays every fall.
The farm will hold a community meeting on March 3rd to discuss its future.
Any tips on developing Central Florida? Please contact me at lkinsler@growthspotter.com or (407) 420-6261. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Original issue: February 27, 2025, 1:55pm EST
