Commission pauses Deep Woods Ranch/Embry Riddle airport amendment after extensive public outcry

One of the most heavily attended items of the day was the Deep Woods Ranch conditional‑use permit, where property owners and the buyer (Embry Riddle and investors) are pursuing improvements that opponents say would pave runway surfaces, expand aviation activity and trigger off‑site grading, road work and tree clearing. Attorney Billy Dove, speaking for an owner, asked the board to table the matter so all affected landowners could coordinate and staff could review recently submitted materials.

Dozens of residents, nonprofits and subject experts then spoke. Speakers raised the following concerns: potential impacts to the Ocala National Forest and the Florida wildlife corridor; harm to sensitive springs and aquifer recharge (speakers cited Clay Lake and Mosquito Spring locations near the runway); noise and air emissions from frequent flight training; and allegedly misleading references to FAA requirements in project documents. Several pilots who practice in other counties said they support flight training in appropriate settings but not in the middle of a national forest. Conservation groups asked the board to insist on fuller environmental analysis before any approvals.

After questions and debate, the commission voted to table the item to allow property owners and staff to coordinate next steps and to provide time for further review. Commissioners noted the administrative site‑plan review remains a separate ministerial process but that reopening a CUP or initiating a county‑led review would be the board’s decision if owners choose not to proceed cooperatively. The motion to table passed on voice vote.

Why it matters: The request to modify uses on several parcels near the Ocala National Forest pits private property and development ambitions against broad public concerns about habitat conservation, water resources and the character of a nationally significant forest. The board’s pause will leave the matter pending while staff and owners reconcile documents and options.