Palm Harbors Residents Protest Development Of Natural Habitat

PALM HARBOR, FL — Palm Harbor residents concerned about the loss of the county's natural habitats to new development are protesting a proposed rezoning that would allow 78 town homes to be built on 21.5 acres.

The site owned by the Noell Family LLC is located northwest of the Innisbrook Golf Resort at 36750 U.S. 19 N. and east of the Suncoast Primary Sanctuary at 4600 Alternate U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor.

Residents have launched a Change.org petition drive and plan to show up at the Pinellas County Planned Land Agency meeting Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Magnolia Room at the Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

The rezoning is scheduled to be considered by the Pinellas County Commission on April 27.

Residents say the rezoning would create the only R-5-zoned (five residences per acre) development in Palm Harbor, which they say is incompatible with surrounding land uses. Additionally, residents are concerned because the plan doesn't include buffers to shield adjacent properties and it has only one access road, which will generate 549 trips per day, crossing the popular Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

"We are asking to maintain the natural landscape, compatibility and consistency of our neighborhood," said Palm Harbor resident Melanie Harvey. "The value in its natural state far outweighs its destruction to create a cramped subdivision. The loss of this habitat is inconceivable by responsible citizens and elected officials who understand the many values of biodiversity and nature in creating a livable community. This property should, and must be preserved."

As of Wednesday night, 1,031 people have signed the petition.

Residents can view the meeting virtually via Zoom link or attend by phone by dialing 1-929-205 6099, 1-301-715-8592, 1-312626-6799, 1-669-900-6833, 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799 with webinar ID 827 9718 9646.