Residents Sound Alarm Over Proposed Private Golf Course in Hernando County

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

BROOKSVILLE, Fla — A newly proposed private golf course in a rural corner of Hernando County is drawing fierce opposition from neighbors, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens, who warn it could degrade water supplies, increase traffic, and jeopardize essential services.

Local Backlash Against Big Development

The proposal, which is now heading before the County Commission, would convert a large swath of undeveloped land into an exclusive golf community. While the developer has yet to fully respond to local media requests, residents say they’ve been kept in the dark about key environmental and safety impacts. 

At a recent Planning & Zoning hearing, the commission—made up of volunteer appointees—voted unanimously against recommending approval of the plan.  Many residents view that outcome as a signal that even local officials have serious doubts about the project’s feasibility.

Environmental Risks, Strained Infrastructure

Neighbors are raising red flags about how the golf course would strain the region’s fragile water supply. In Hernando County and across Florida, water is a precious resource, and overuse or contamination from lawn fertilizers and pesticides is a growing concern. 

Traffic is another major worry. Rural roads in the area are already under stress during peak commuting hours. Adding dozens—or perhaps hundreds—of new daily vehicle trips would exacerbate congestion and raise safety concerns where there are few sidewalks or alternative routes. 

Critically, neighbors also warn the project could impede emergency services. Some areas are already marginal in terms of fire station coverage; more development, especially if roads become clogged or access is restricted, could slow response times when lives are at stake. 

Equity and Community Voice Under Threat

Beyond environmental and logistical concerns, many locals see the proposal as symptomatic of a broader trend of powerful developers making land-use decisions without meaningful community input. The affected tract lies in a mostly rural, lower-density area—residents fear the burden of development (traffic, pollution, infrastructure strain) will fall on them, while the benefits (exclusive green amenities, property value boosts) will accrue to outsiders or wealthy elite buyers.

Some residents have expressed frustration that they only learned of the plan at the last minute, with limited public notice and few opportunities for thorough review. In communities like Brooksville, where many residents care deeply about preserving rural character and natural resources, that feels like a betrayal of democratic norms.

What’s Next at the County Level

County Commissioners are scheduled to hear the proposal soon, giving residents a critical window to make their voices heard. The developer’s representatives so far have remained largely silent in public reports. 

If the commission approves the project, it would likely move forward to more detailed permitting and environmental review. But given the vocal opposition, the county may face legal challenges, public protests, or sustained political pressure from environmental groups and local advocacy organizations.

Why It Matters for Brooksville and Beyond

What happens here isn’t just about one golf course. It’s about how Hernando County balances development with sustainability, community voice, and environmental justice. Approving a speculative, high-impact project in a rural area sets a precedent: if a developer can win over local officials against resident opposition, future projects will follow.

For Brooksville and surrounding areas, protecting water resources, maintaining safe access for emergency services, and preserving the character of the countryside are all issues that affect long-term livability — not just aesthetics. Residents are right to push for transparency, meaningful oversight, and policies that favor responsible development over speculative luxury

This issue will be addressed at the Hernando County Government Board of County Commissioners meeting on 10/7/2025 beginning at 9:00am. 20 N Broad St Brooksville.