One of the most discussions centered around the conceptual approval of the Freedom Lake Apartments, a proposed subdivision on State Road 17 North. The development, presented by Dana Redell and Jeff Kennedy from Stonehenge Land Development Consultants, aims to provide 30 rental units targeted at workforce housing. The units are projected to rent for $1,375 per month. The site, currently zoned R1 single-family district, is proposed to transition to medium density residential, raising concerns from nearby residents about traffic flow and safety.

Community members voiced apprehension about the impact of increased traffic on Simpson Avenue, a narrow street that serves as the proposed access point for the development. Joanne Taylor, representing the Faith and Family Life Worship Center, expressed worries about the safety of children playing in the area and the potential for traffic congestion. Another resident highlighted that Simpson Avenue’s narrowness could pose challenges for emergency vehicles, and questioned why access couldn’t be provided directly from State Road 17.

In response to these concerns, the developers assured that the project would meet emergency vehicle access requirements and suggested incorporating landscape buffers and fencing. However, residents remained skeptical, fearing property tax increases and further traffic issues.

The council also discussed various ordinances related to land use and zoning changes. Ordinance 1561, involving a future land use amendment for a newly annexed property, was approved unanimously. This property, under construction, is slated for a maximum of 451 units and was clarified to be reserved for RVs rather than mobile homes. The council scheduled the second reading of this ordinance for January 6, 2026.

Following the approval of Ordinance 1561, the council addressed Ordinance 1562, which accompanies the previous ordinance by addressing zoning changes for the same property. Similarly, Ordinance 1563 and Ordinance 1564 pertained to a 64.48-acre parcel on the southern edge of Little Redwater, with plans for an RV park. The transition from county to city medium density residential zoning was discussed, with the planning and zoning board recommending approval.

The council also tackled Ordinance 1565, which proposed changing the land use for a site on North Ridgewood Drive. This amendment aimed to accommodate a shift from residential mixed-use redevelopment to downtown mixed-use redevelopment, allowing for increased commercial use. The proposed changes, which include an increase in retail space, were approved on first reading without public opposition.

Ordinance 1566, which involved changes to the planned unit development on North Ridgewood Drive, was also approved. The amendment allows for an expansion of retail space while maintaining conditions such as building height restrictions and stormwater management compliance.

Additionally, the council considered Ordinance 1567, which proposed changing the zoning classification for a property on Shirley Street to facilitate the reconstruction of a single-family home damaged during Hurricane Ian. The zoning change from commercial to R4 multiple-family district was approved, aligning with surrounding areas and development requirements.

The council also discussed updates to the comprehensive plan, mandated by state law every seven years. The current update extends the planning horizon to 2050, in compliance with Florida statutes. The amendments are largely administrative and include reorganizing plan elements to follow statutory requirements. Changes also reflect the right to farm act requirements and address accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to increase affordable rental availability.

Public comments on the comprehensive plan update acknowledged the extensive work involved, with one council member expressing appreciation for the efforts made. The planning and zoning board recommended approval, and the council agreed to transmit the updates to the state for review.

The meeting concluded with reports from the city administrator on ongoing projects and discussions about upcoming vacancies on city boards. The council also approved a revised holiday schedule for 2026 and addressed other administrative matters.