BUNNELL, Fla. — City leaders in Bunnell are pausing future talks on a rezoning request of over 1,800 acres after residents protested the proposal at Monday's commission meeting. 

What You Need To Know

  • Bunnell city leaders paused a rezoning proposal for over 1,800 acres after public reaction Monday

  • The request includes a change to “industrial” zoning for land near U.S. 1 and County Road 304

  • Residents worry about pollution and unwanted development

The rezoning request would amend the future land use map from “agriculture” to “agriculture community industrial” for around 459 acres and “L-2, heavy industrial” for approximately 1,383 acres of land right on U.S. 1 and County Road 304.

The topic wasn’t on the city commission’s agenda, however, the community shared their thoughts during public comment.

Many believe the rezoning plan would open up the property to undesired development.

“We do not want a huge, big landfill coming in our backyard," Lila Pontius, who lives 300 feet away from the proposed rezoning plan, said. "What is that going to do to our water? What is that going to do to the animals? It will change everything that we know of.”

In response, Bunnell officials said they would not move forward with the first reading of the proposal on May 28, tabling it for the time being.

Joe Parsons, community development director for city, reiterated, though, that there are currently no plans for a development on the land.

“The application in question is for rezoning only," Parsons said. "There is no use that has been applied for or being proposed in conjunction with this application at this time.”

Still, the possibility industrial development does not sit right with Pontius and several other residents.

“I have grown up in the area, this has been my city my whole life. We have rallied around and have gotten as many people as we can to come and support our cause,” she said.

Similar to Pontius, Denise Barton has lived in Bunnell her whole life.

Like those around her, she doesn’t want to see this proposed rezoning plan go through.

“My grandfather came here 100 years ago and bought property out on 304,” Barton said. “Zone it commercial, put in a mall there if you want to, anything except this, something that will not pollute our water.”

When asked for comment, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson said she’s grateful for the community’s input and attendance at the meeting.