At the regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on March 27, 2018, the board considered moving forward with building a recreational area at the Weeki Wachee Preserve, on Shoal Line Boulevard just east of Hernando Beach. Hernando County Utilities Director Gordon Onderdonk presented the board and public with maps of areas to be presented to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), for further negotiation of purchase or trade.
Commissioner Wayne Dukes gave a brief historical overview regarding the Weeki Wachee Preserve, and several other parcels that could be used for public recreation. He described obstacles that were faced four years ago, which involved cost and feasibility of controlling traffic in the area, which includes a lake. “We’ve been looking at this for a long time because it’s a great thing, however, it’s not easy to get done.”
Commissioner John Allocco is concerned about access from Shoal Line Boulevard, and would rather see access from Osowaw, perhaps foot or bicycle traffic only to the lake. “That was the original idea five years ago … But there’s a bear corridor and a bird sanctuary there… it can’t be a people corridor, because it’s for the bears,” Commissioner Nick Nicholson answered with a laugh. Nicholson added that the new plan is to install acceleration/deceleration lanes to get cars off of Shoal Line as quickly as possible to prevent obstructing through-traffic.
Several Hernando Beach residents spoke to the board, opposing the plan. The oft-cited reason for the opposition is that the Weeki Wachee Preserve should be preserved, and not converted into a recreation area at all.
Charles D. Greenwell of Hernando Beach stated, “Hernando Beach represents something that is being lost in Florida every day … old Florida charm.” Greenwell is also pursuing the District 2 Commission seat this year.
Other residents expressed concerns about already-existing litter problem, and the fact that bears evidently can’t read signs that will alert them to stay out of human-populated areas.
Chuck Morton of the Hernando County Port Authority suggested traffic may not be obstructive, based on the entrance to Linda Pedersen park, which currently does not result in traffic backups on Shoal Line Boulevard. Morton went on to say that additional recreation venues are needed in the county, adding, “Talking about it, and planning never hurts.”
Commissioners Allocco and Holcomb are opposed to going forward with discussions if access cannot be attained via Osowaw Boulevard. Allocco, a proponent of additional recreation areas in the county said, “I just don’t see how this is going to be feasible as far as managing the number of vehicles … it’s sad, actually.”
Commissioner Steve Champion was absent from the meeting, resulting in a 4-member board to consider the motion to continue discussions with SWFWMD. A question remains as to whether or not Osowaw Blvd access is completely impossible. Board discussion ensued for several minutes regarding alternative sites within the county, that would allow for kayaking, and other activities that make the Hernando Beach area so attractive. Having no motion on the dais, no vote was held. The BOCC intimated that other areas will be considered, and The Hernando Sun will continue to follow developments.