The St. Leo Town Commission voted Wednesday night against a rezoning request that would have allowed developer Ryan Homes to replace the 66-year-old Abbey Golf Course with 628 new homes, preserving one of the small Pasco County community’s last remaining green spaces.
The proposal would have rezoned nearly 289 acres from permanently open land to residential use, making way for 440 single-family homes and 188 townhomes in a town of roughly 2,000 residents. Opponents said the development, referred to by the developer as Mohrs Crossing, could have effectively doubled the town’s population and worsened traffic in an already fast-growing area. The commission meeting drew a capacity crowd, with some residents unable to enter due to the turnout.
Saint Leo University, located directly across the street from the golf course, was among the most prominent voices against the project. University President Jim Burkee publicly urged students and residents to attend the meeting and speak out, arguing that the peaceful, open landscape is central to the community’s identity and the university’s appeal.
Residents also raised concerns about the loss of a community institution. James “Ed” Phillips, who works at the golf course pro shop, said the course has long served as an affordable gathering place for local families.
Supporters of the project noted that the historic grotto on the western edge of the property would have remained under Abbey ownership and been preserved under the plan.
Burkee also pointed to a new state law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March that limits high-density development in agricultural and conservation areas, which takes effect July 1, suggesting the developer may have been working to advance the project ahead of that deadline.
City officials have not indicated whether a revised proposal will be considered in the future.
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