Seminole County officials will weigh a new residential development proposal at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The plan, submitted by developer Chris Dorworth – a former state legislator – calls for 136 single‑family homes to be built on the former Pappy’s Patch strawberry farm along Florida Avenue, just outside Oviedo.
Project details and past context
The subdivision would occupy 67 acres of land that lies within Seminole County’s rural boundary, a zone created more than two decades ago and reaffirmed by voters in 2024. The boundary was designed to limit growth in the county’s eastern portion, preserving contiguous parkland such as the Econ River Wilderness Area and Little Big Econ State Park.
Dorworth’s proposal is notably smaller than his earlier River Cross project, which was rejected by the commission in 2018 after a similar clash over rural‑boundary development. The current application notes that two neighboring neighborhoods have already been built near the site, suggesting the area is already experiencing some growth.
Opposition from Save Rural Seminole
David Bear, spokesperson for the advocacy group Save Rural Seminole, urged commissioners to reject the plan. “The rural boundary is where it is for a number of reasons, one of which is because it’s land that is contiguous with all of our state and county parks out there, like the Econ River wilderness area that flows into the Little Big Econ State Park,” Bear said.
Save Rural Seminole argues that allowing the subdivision would set a precedent for further development inside the protected zone, potentially threatening the ecological and recreational assets that residents value.
County officials’ perspective
County planners have highlighted the need to balance growth with preservation. While the commission has not yet issued a formal recommendation, staff notes that the proposal includes infrastructure improvements such as road upgrades and utility extensions that could benefit existing residents.
Commission members are expected to ask Dorworth about mitigation measures, including any contributions to park conservation or green‑space preservation, as part of their evaluation.
What’s at stake
The decision will test how Seminole County interprets the rural boundary’s intent – whether it remains a firm barrier to new housing or can be flexibly applied to accommodate modest growth. The outcome could influence future development proposals in the county’s eastern region and shape the conversation about protecting Florida’s natural resources while meeting housing demand.
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be streamed live on the county’s website. Public comments will be taken before the commission votes on the proposal.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
