May 26, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda packet 2026-05-26

Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting · 2026-05-26 · packet

[6075 C-575; case LU26-000010 and ZON26-000010] The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners considered a Small-Scale Future Land Use Change and a Zoning Change for a 20.07-acre parcel owned by Mary Holcomb. The request was to change the Future Land Use from Agriculture to Rural Residential and the zoning from General Agriculture (A10C) and Rural Residential (RR5C) to Rural Residential (RR1C). Both the Planning and Zoning Special Master and County Staff recommended approval. The proposed change aims to facilitate a lot split and residential development consistent with rural densities. Concerns were raised by Stephen Vizzi regarding proper notification, potential environmental and roadway impacts, and the density of the proposed development not aligning with the rural character. Glenna Blackwelder also expressed opposition due to potential negative impacts on surrounding properties and community character. The Planning and Zoning Special Master recommended approval, finding the amendment consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and not contributing to urban sprawl. The Board of County Commissioners meeting was scheduled for May 26, 2026. [6075 C 575; case LU26-000010, ZON26-000010] The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners approved a rezoning and future land use change for a 20.07-acre parcel. The property, owned by Mary Holcomb, was rezoned from General Agriculture (A10C) and Rural Residential (RR5C) to Rural Residential Minimum One Acre (RR1C). This change facilitates a lot split and low-density residential development. The decision was made on May 26, 2026, following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Special Master on May 4, 2026. Public comments expressed opposition due to concerns about negative impacts on property values, increased traffic, and disruption of the rural character. One commenter also raised issues regarding notification procedures and the environmental impact of dense residential development. [Lake Okahumpka, Wildwood, FL] This document is a petition from 'SAVE OUR LAKE OKAHUMPKA' (SOLO) and the Lake Okahumpka Conservation Committee (LOCC) to various state and local officials, including the Governor of Florida, FWC, Sumter County Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Wildwood Commission. The petition highlights the ecological and recreational collapse of Lake Okahumpka due to invasive vegetation (Hydrilla and Water Hyacinth) and floating 'tussocks' of mud and decaying plant matter. These obstructions have rendered the lake unnavigable and are decreasing its depth. The petitioners demand immediate mechanical harvesting, a feasibility study and funding for dredging, long-term invasive management, and parity in environmental priority and funding with the Harris Chain of Lakes. They warn of economic loss, ecological collapse, and public safety hazards if no action is taken. Mary Lanning, representing LOCC, stated that the lake is at a tipping point and risks losing its recreational and ecological value. [Lake Okahumpka, 50 Continental Blvd, Wildwood, FL 34785 (Continental Country Club); case 0450206-001-UC/5EX, 0450206-001-UC/M5] This document is a collection of communications regarding environmental concerns in Sumter County, Florida. It includes a petition from "SAVE OUR LAKE OKAHUMPKA" and the "Lake Okahumpka Conservation Committee (LOCC)" demanding action to address the ecological and recreational collapse of Lake Okahumpka due to invasive vegetation, muck accumulation, and decreased depth. It also includes emails concerning odor complaints related to a waste operation, and concerns about well collapses potentially linked to underground injection well drilling near the Heart of Florida Landfill. No specific project approvals or denials are detailed, but the communications highlight significant public concern and ongoing investigations. This document contains multiple unrelated items. Part 5 of 16 consists of questions for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding proposed injection well activities at Heart of Florida Landfill in Sumter County, Florida. It does not contain specific project details for contractors. The subsequent sections detail legal proceedings and administrative matters within Sumter County, Florida, including a sidewalk transfer, a legal memorandum regarding waste importation, a civil case management order, a stipulated final judgment for a zoning violation, and a petition regarding an animal in custody. None of these sections describe new construction or renovation projects for contractors. [201 Lemons Street, Wildwood, Florida 34785; case not stated (Sumter County Animal Control Case #5878)] Sumter County, Florida, is petitioning the County Court to determine if the owners are fit to provide for an animal and if not, to grant Sumter County custody and ownership for disposition. The county also seeks costs of care and attorney fees. This is related to Sumter County Animal Control Case #5878 concerning a neglected or mistreated animal named Midas. [3687 CR 405W, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538; case 2026-CC-000358] Sumter County, Florida, is pursuing a foreclosure action against multiple defendants for a property located at 3687 CR 405W, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538. The county has a lien due to code enforcement violations including failure to obtain permits, accumulation of trash and debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrown grass. Defaults have been entered against most defendants due to failure to respond. The county is seeking a Final Default Judgment. [1464 SW 69th Road, Bushnell, Florida 33513; case 2025-CA-000312] Sumter County, Florida, is a subordinate lienholder in a foreclosure case initiated by Wells Fargo Bank. The county is seeking to disburse surplus funds from the foreclosure sale to satisfy its SHIP Loan. The property was located at 1464 SW 69th Road, Bushnell, Florida 33513. The surplus funds amount to $25,781.33, and the county claims $13,775.27 for unpaid principal, late fees, interest, and attorney's fees. [case *ZON26-000007] Rezoning of 7.5 acres from Rural Residential Minimum Five (5) Acres with Conventional Housing (RR5C) to Rural Residential Minimum Five (5) Acres with Optional Housing (RR5) to permit the placement of one (1) Class B Mobile Home. The property is vested for residential development outside the Urban Development Area (UDA). [C17-014; case *S2021-0007] Revocation of a Special Use Permit that allows a sixty (60) seat church on Parcel C17-014. The church currently operates under this permit and has an amended and restated minor Special Use Permit for a graveyard and playground. [7854 SR 471 / N24-042] The Board of County Commissioners expressed consensus to pursue the purchase of parcel N24-042 for integration with the fairgrounds. [5497 Marsh Bend Trail, The Villages, FL 32163] The Board of County Commissioners approved setting a Public Hearing for May 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Everglades Recreation Center, 5497 Marsh Bend Trail, The Villages, FL 32163, to adopt an ordinance establishing the Tourist Development Council and advertise for applications. [948 CR 461, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538] The Board of County Commissioners approved accepting the offer from Wayne Cassity for surplus parcel J04E006. [case Ordinance 2026-05] The Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2026-05, creating a Tourist Development Council, establishing membership criteria, and directing the Council to undertake necessary actions with intent to enact an ordinance levying and imposing a Tourist Development Tax. Public comments were received from Caroline Campbell and Michael Barber. [215 Gloria Rowe Hayward Way, Sumterville, FL 33585] Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the methodology for levying non-ad valorem assessments for fire protection and rescue services. This action is based on an Accenture Study dated May 2026. A public hearing is set for July 28, 2026, at 215 Gloria Rowe Hayward Way, Sumterville, FL 33585, to adopt the final resolution. The new methodology will establish a maximum hazardous class funding rate of 35% at $237.88 per fire protection unit, and a hazardous class funding rate of 25% at $169.91 per fire protection unit. These rates are expected to result in lower assessments for a significant percentage of Class 7 residential properties under certain square footage thresholds compared to current rates. The BOCC also approved several other contracts and agreements, including a State Funded Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for The Villages Community Resurfacing, and accepted a right-of-way deed from The Villages Land Company, LLC for McNeil Drive Phase 5. All these items were recommended for approval by staff and passed unanimously. [7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785 (County Administrator's Office for inspection of records)] This document details the establishment and collection of Fire Protection Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in Sumter County, Florida. The assessments will fund fire protection services, facilities, and programs. The proposed rate is $169.91 per Net Fire Protection Unit, with a maximum future rate of $237.88 per Net Fire Protection Unit. Exemptions are provided for government property (with exceptions for federal mortgage entities), institutional property wholly exempt from ad valorem taxation, and agricultural land. Mobile home parks and recreational vehicle parks can receive vacancy adjustments. Property owners can apply for a Fire Flow Mitigation Credit of up to 40% for buildings equipped with certified fire sprinkler systems, certified fire suppression systems, or unique fire-resistant construction. A public hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at the Gloria Rowe Hayward Sumter County Service Center to receive public comments. Notices will be published and mailed by July 7, 2026. The assessments will be collected on the annual ad valorem tax bill. This document is a Fire Assessment Memorandum for Sumter County, Florida, developed by Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC. It details the methodology for calculating fire assessment rates for Fiscal Year 2026-27, focusing on the special benefit fire services provide to properties. The document outlines the service delivery of the Sumter County Fire and EMS Department, including its nine stations, apparatus, and response protocols. It also explains the apportionment methodology, distinguishing between fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS) costs, as EMS beyond first response is not considered to confer a special benefit to property per Florida case law. The memorandum provides detailed calculations for fire protection units based on hazard class, building square footage, and construction type, along with potential mitigation credits for buildings with fire suppression systems or advanced fire-resistant construction. It includes tables of assessment rates for various property types and sizes, and projected revenues. The document aims to ensure the fire assessment program is legally defensible and adequately funds fire rescue services. This document details the methodology for calculating fire services assessments in Sumter County, Florida. It outlines the administrative and operational factors used to allocate costs, the calculation of assessable expenditures for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2029-30, and the apportionment methodology based on Fire Protection Units. The Fire Protection Units are determined by building hazard class and square footage, referencing NFPA standards. The document also discusses credits for fire safety measures, exemptions for governmental and institutional properties, and outstanding issues related to assessment collection and credits. The maximum allowable annual rate per Fire Protection Unit for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is calculated at $679.66, based on total assessable costs of $21,356,763 and 31,422.91 factored Fire Protection Units after credits. This document is a collection of appendices and legal memoranda related to fire protection assessments and county boards. It details fire protection unit assignments based on square footage and hazard classifications, legal justifications for special assessments for fire services, and information regarding vacancies on the Construction Industry Licensing/Fire Code Board of Appeals and the Industrial Development Authority. It does not contain specific project details for contractors. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is seeking to fill two vacancies on the Library Technology Advisory Board. The board formulates recommendations for improving technology services for the county-wide library system. The meeting type is Regular Meeting, scheduled for 5/26/2026. There is no contract associated with this item, and the budget impact is none. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is addressing six vacancies on the Public Safety Coordinating Council. This council assesses the population status of detention/correctional facilities and formulates recommendations for improvements. The meeting type is Regular Meeting, scheduled for 5/26/2026. There is no contract associated with this item, and the budget impact is not stated. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is seeking to fill two vacancies on the Tourist Development Council. The council's purpose is to prepare and submit a plan for tourist development, including proposed uses of tourist development tax revenue. The meeting type is Regular Meeting, scheduled for 5/26/2026. There is no contract associated with this item, and the budget impact is N/A. [case A-15] Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is considering Budget Amendment A-15 for FY 2025/2026. This amendment includes adjustments for Strategic and Marketing Plans, Landscaping and Janitorial Services for the New Service Center & Fire Training/Shelter Building, refund of prior year Payment in Lieu of Taxes, and contribution to the City of Bushnell for Air Quality Analysis. It also amends the budget for retainage for the Supervisor of Elections Warehouse. Staff recommends approval. The meeting date is 5/26/2026. Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is reviewing an Open Requisitions Report for FY 2025/2026, with purchase requests of $25,000 and over requiring approval. Items include Motorola Rave Software Renewal ($41,300.00), Motorola Mach/P1 Integration ($188,938.89), Motorola 10GB Upgrade ($97,395.00), DocuSign Implementation ($32,906.26), Priority Dispatch Licenses ($25,020.00), CityWorks Software Renewal ($72,809.10), Retrofitting (25) I-CON Stainless Steel Combo Units in the Detention Center ($101,063.00), Task Order #1 - 2026 Countywide Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Continuing Services ($1,121,225.39), Task Order #2 - 2026 Countywide Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Continuing Services ($5,213,444.28), Fire Training Center Propane Install for Burn Props ($47,861.00), and Economic Development Marketing Services - Strategic Plan ($21,667.00) and Marketing Plan ($13,333.00). Staff recommends approval. The meeting date is 5/26/2026. [7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, Florida 34785 (County); 641 SW 13th Street, Ocala, FL 34471 (Vendor); case RFP 021-0-2025/JV] Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is considering Amendment #1 to the Agreement with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. for Sumter County Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Services (RFP 021-0-2025/JV). The amendment adds the Gloria Rowe Hayward Service Center to the existing agreement. The budget impact is $22,640.00 for the remainder of FY 25/26. Staff recommends approval. The meeting date is 5/26/2026. [case ITB # 007-0-2025/JV] Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is considering Change Order #2 to ITB # 007-0-2025/JV with Garcia Civil Contractors LLC for the C 44A and CR 213 Sidewalk Project. The change order includes a quantity overrun for Type A Barbed Wire Fence (15 LF at $306.00) and SOD (2,310 SY at $16,031.10) to prevent washout behind the retaining wall. An additional 58 days will be added to the project duration. The total budget impact is an increase of $16,337.10, bringing the total contract price to $1,574,484.26. Staff recommends approval. The meeting date is 5/26/2026. [7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, Florida 34785 (County); 13052 US Hwy 11, Springville, Alabama 35146 (Vendor); case RFP 038-0-2022/JV] Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is considering Amendment #3 to the Agreement with Southern Cleaning Service, Inc. for Sumter County Janitorial Services (RFP 038-0-2022/JV). The amendment adds the Gloria Rowe Hayward Service Center and the Training/Shelter Facility to the existing agreement. The budget impact is $22,875.00 for the remainder of FY 25/26. Staff recommends approval. The meeting date is 5/26/2026. [4722 Central Pkwy., Sumterville, FL. 33585 (Gloria Rowe Hayward Service Center and Training Center); 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, Florida 34785 (Sumter County Board of County Commissioners); 3031 N. Rocky Pointe Drive West, Suite 730, Tampa, Florida 33607 (USA Services of Florida, LLC); 8470 NE 44 Drive, Suite B, Wildwood, Florida 34785 (GSB Construction & Development, Inc.); PO BOX 1858, Largo FL 33779 (Turtle Infrastructure Partners, LLC); Center Hill, Florida; Webster, Florida; 7361 Powell Road, Wildwood, FL 34785 (Sheriff's Office); 7375 Powell Road, Wildwood, Florida 34785 (Sumter County Board of County Commissioners); Largo, Florida (Ajax Building Company); case ITB 028-0-2023/JV; RFP 016-0-2023/JV; Purchase Order No. 9128502] This document details several agreements and change orders for Sumter County. It includes a janitorial services contract for the Gloria Rowe Hayward Service Center and Training Center with Southern Cleaning Service Inc., an extension and amendment to the street sweeping contract with USA Services of Florida, LLC, an extension to the on-call general contractor agreement with GSB Construction & Development, Inc. (including a fee schedule for various trades), a change order for guardrail replacement services with Turtle Infrastructure Partners, LLC, interlocal agreements for law enforcement services with the City of Center Hill and the City of Webster, and a change order for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Training Facility final phase with Ajax Building Company, which deducts owner-purchased materials and equipment from the contract price. [545 CR 482 S., Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538] Change Order #2 for the Sheriff's Training Facility Final Phase project in Lake Panasoffkee, FL, resulted in a deductive change of $397,705.71, reducing the total contract cost to $6,098,197.29. The contract time was extended by 25 days, with a new final completion date of 05/25/2026. This change order reconciles Owner Direct Purchases (ODP). Change Order #3 for the Sheriff's Training Facility Final Phase project in Lake Panasoffkee, FL, extends the contract duration by 12 days, revising the substantial completion date to 05/06/2026 and the final completion date to 06/05/2026. The contract amount remained unchanged at $6,098,197.29. This change order addresses delays in project completion. [Sumterville, FL] Change Order #4 for the Gloria Rowe Hayward Sumter County Service Center, Fire Training/Hurricane Building, Recovery Building, and other Structures project in Sumterville, FL, increases the contract value by $66,222.34, bringing the total contract cost to $30,022,049.50. The contract time remains unchanged with a final completion date of 05/25/2026. This change order reconciles Owner Direct Purchases (ODP) and tax savings. [Sumterville, FL] Change Order #5 for the Gloria Rowe Hayward Sumter County Service Center, Fire Training/Hurricane Shelter, Fire Recovery Building, and other Structures project in Sumterville, FL, extends the contract duration by 23 days, revising the substantial completion date to 05/18/2026 and the final completion date to 06/17/2026. The contract amount remains unchanged at $30,022,049.50. This change order addresses delays in project completion. [Near US 301 and Central Parkway, Sumter County, FL; case 01135881] A perpetual non-exclusive utility easement was granted to Duke Energy Florida, LLC, for electric and communication lines on property near US 301 and Central Parkway in Sumter County, FL. This easement is necessary for the platting of the property at the new Service Center. The consideration for the easement was $1.00. The easement area is a strip of land ten feet in uniform width. [Not stated, but references County Road C470E right-of-way.] This document details two easements, Easement "A" and Easement "B", located within Section 12, Township 20 South, Range 22 East in Sumter County, Florida. Easement "A" encompasses 0.266 acres and is situated on the north line of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 12. Easement "B" covers 0.415 acres and is located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 12, adjacent to the north right-of-way line of County Road C470E. The document provides detailed metes and bounds descriptions for both easements, along with parcel numbers and references to official records books and pages. No specific applicant, case number, decision, or key dates are mentioned, as this appears to be a legal description for survey and record purposes.