On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet will consider the request by Harmony Ranch (Harmony) to approve the creation of a Community Development District (CDD) for Harmony’s proposed project.
Background Facts:
- In 2018, the Martin County Board Commission voted unanimously in support of its staff’s recommendation to deny Harmony an amendment to the County’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan. The requested amendment would have increased substantially the number of residential units allowed on Harmony’s 2,634-acre tract of agricultural land located outside the Urban Services District off Bridge Road, west of I-95 (see the map below). The Guardians strongly supported this decision.
- Subsequently, Harmony filed a lawsuit against the County for $99 Million, claiming that the County’s denial of the amendment to sanction its development plan has resulted in the unlawful taking of its property.
- Then, in addition, Harmony petitioned Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet requesting the creation of a CDD, which would allow Harmony to construct roadways, drainage and landscaping on its property. Filing this petition has led to this Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
The requested Harmony Ranch CDD boundary (west of I-95) is outlined in red below:
Base map Source: Google Earth 1/14/19
The Guardians of Martin County, separately-incorporated municipalities in the County, citizens, citizen groups, including 1000 Friends of Florida and the Everglades Foundation, among others, are all concerned that approval of the CDD petition by the Governor and Cabinet will increase the likelihood that Harmony will develop the property at a higher density than what is currently permitted pursuant to Martin County’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
As soon as possible, please contact the Governor and Cabinet and members of our Legislative Delegation and let them know how you feel about the creation of this CDD.
We have listed their contact information below for individual email messages:
Governor Ron DeSantis (850) 488-7146
GovernorRon.DeSantis@eog.myflorida.com
Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez (850) 488-7146
LtGovernorJeanette.Nunez@eog.myflorida.com
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office (850) 414-3990
Erin.sumpter@myfloridalegal.com
Chief Cabinet Aide to Attorney General
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (850) 413-3100
CFO.Patronis@myfloridacfo.com
Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried (850) 617-7700
nikki.fried@FDACS.gov
State Representative MaryLynn Magar (772) 545-3481
marylynn.magar@myfloridahouse.gov
State Senator Gayle Harrell 772-221-4019
Harrell.gayle.web@flsenate.gov
State Representative Toby Overdorf (850) 717-5083
Toby.Overdorf@myfloridahouse.gov