The center of the above snippet from the Future Land Use Map centers on the traffic light at Hancock Rd & Johns Lake Rd.
This corridor is under threat. The green portion has been walled off on 3 sides by development, and City Council voted to expand an existing subdivision into some of the green area, increasing the housing density sixteen-fold, squeezing out and cutting off wildlife access to Johns Lake. A solid wall will encircle the property.
The official staff summaries, for the simple annexations and comprehensive plan revision, are here and here. I am confused about the use of the terms “simple” vs. “non-emergency” annexations right now. What is “expedited”? Is there such a thing as an “Emergency” annexation?
The City Council unanimously voted to annex and densify the first of the parcels within the Johns Lake Rd corridor/enclave. No consideration was given to due diligence regarding the existing county future land use, etc. The City Council was concerned about the revenues, not the wildlife nor residents within the enclave. The first domino has fallen.
Those of us within the newly formed enclave have no say about what happens inside. We have no representation by our County Commissioners. We have no voice.
Click here for official details
Map of the city limits surrounding the new enclave, in yellow. The annexations in this area have been large and rapid. I believe that more than 100 residents live within the newly formed 640+/- acre enclave, and they can’t vote in city affairs.
The county permitted the annexation of parcel 1095972, which formed the enclave. Was 171.044 properly applied? Was 171.046 used instead? What about the “however” in the annexation prerequisites within 171.204? This large enclave is very rural. More than 110 acres. I have heard arguments before that the thin line along Hancock Rd does not constitute a boundary. Why?
These homes do not receive municipal services. Now city interests are trying to annex choice parcels within the enclave. (Isn’t a referendum required or something?)
The Great Wall of Clermont, looking east. 2 miles long, along Lost Lake Rd from Hancock Rd to Johns Lake.
Our community within the enclave has been here, quietly tucked between the sand mines, for decades.
I believe the residents here should have a say about what happens to them, and their wildlife, and that the “expedited” annexation procedures per 171.046, and the “simple” annexation procedure used by the city do not apply, because the enclave is more than 110 acres and very rural. There is a regular process for that, 171.044. The petitioners must be the property owners of record at the time of application.
The enclave is completely surrounded by the Clermont city limits. The only way in and out is through the city boundaries, or by boat.
The latest annexation along the northern boundary completed the 640+/- acre enclave per F.S. 171.031(16). This roadway sign is on the edge of city limits. A 2 mile long dead-end road.
Florida Statutes regarding annexation here
Prerequisites for annexation 171.204 has a “however”. We are “Rural” in character within the enclave, not “Urban”
Looking down at the Great Wall from within the enclave. Reminds me of a zombie horde!
Local wildlife includes gopher tortoises, which in turn provide shelter for many other critters. Their life-cycles are inter-dependent. They live in harmony with us. I will update the wildlife pages when I can. I have lots to say about my observations here.