On July 30, 2019, Hernando Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the surplus designation and unsolicited purchase offer for a county owned property located at County Line Rd and Cobblestone Drive. The 5.4 acre property was valued by the property appraiser at $54,000. Working through realtor Gary Shraut, the buyer, RKM Development Corp submitted a $625,000 offer to purchase the property previously owned by the Deltona Corporation.
The property was deeded to Hernando County for use as a public park when they developed the area. The deed restriction as to park use lapsed in 2007. No active deed restrictions or reverter clauses were found relating to this property.
There has been a lot of public outcry relating to the purchase and development of county owned properties that were once designated for park use. In this case, the buyer submitted a petition to rezone the property for the development of a convenience store and gas station.
In January 2020, the BOCC approved rezoning of the property from “PDP(REC)/Planned Development Project (Recreational) to PDP(NC)/ Planned Development Project (Neighborhood Commercial) with a specific C-1 use for a convenience store with a limit of 12 vehicle fueling stations…” There were several community members who vocalized opposition to the rezoning during public comment.
According to Paul Molle, Hernando County Real Property Supervisor, the buyer backed out of the contract within the 6 month due diligence period.
He urged county residents who were upset with the purchase and rezoning of the property to consider making an offer now that it is available.
County Administrator Jeff Rogers stated that they will be readvertising the property for sale.
