Strawberry fields in Lithia just took a big step toward becoming a brand-new neighborhood.
On Thursday night, Hillsborough County commissioners advanced a controversial proposal that would turn roughly 121 acres of strawberry fields into a subdivision with more than 100 homes. The move clears the first of several regulatory hurdles and sends the plan into a state review process before commissioners take a final vote. Neighbors who packed the Frederick B. Karl County Center warned that more traffic, light pollution and demand on local services would fundamentally change the rural feel of the area.
The board voted 7-0 to transmit the large-scale comprehensive-plan amendment to state reviewers in Tallahassee. If it clears that step, the proposal is expected to return to Hillsborough County for a final vote in April, according to FOX 13 News. County staff emphasized that the move follows the typical comprehensive-plan amendment timeline and opens a formal window for agency review and public comment.
Dozens of Lithia residents drove about 20 miles to attend the hearing, many wearing red shirts and stop-sign stickers during a public-comment period that stretched for more than an hour. "I enjoy not hearing traffic and sirens," Miles Scott told commissioners. Jessica Scott added, "Most of us have animals. We want peace and quiet." Longtime resident Tony Parker warned that "what was once a strawberry field can have houses on it and a McDonald’s up front."
Developers argued the county also has to think about where new residents will live. Michael Brooks, a developer with GLH Enterprises, reminded commissioners that "every time you make a land use change you can’t put it back" while urging the board to weigh local housing needs, according to FOX 13 News.
The proposed amendment would shift the parcels' future land use to a denser residential designation, allowing around one home per acre instead of the agricultural standard of about one home per five acres. Community group Preserve Rural Lithia argues that level of density would drive up demand on wells, septic systems and nearby schools, which has become a core concern for opponents.
Traffic and infrastructure pressures
Traffic was one of the loudest grievances from neighbors, who worry country roads are about to feel a lot less country.
Hillsborough County has already flagged intersection and corridor upgrades around Lithia Pinecrest Road and County Road 39 in its capital-improvement program, including new turn lanes and signal work meant to accommodate growing traffic, according to Hillsborough County. Those planned investments highlight why residents fear the corridor could see a sharp increase in cars if the upzoning goes through.
Next steps and state review
With the local transmittal vote complete, the proposal now heads to state reviewing agencies for scrutiny. Depending on the type of amendment, the plan may follow an expedited or a state coordinated review, which affects how long the process takes.
If the state deems the transmittal package complete, the amendment generally becomes effective about 31 days later unless someone files a timely challenge, according to county planning guidance cited by Manatee County.
How neighbors are responding
Opponents have rallied under the banner of Preserve Rural Lithia, urging residents to contact county commissioners and show up at each step in the review process. The group is pushing for a scale of development that it says better fits the area’s rural character.
With a final county decision still weeks away, both developers and neighbors are expected to ramp up their outreach ahead of the anticipated April vote, turning this quiet stretch of strawberry fields into one of Lithia’s hottest debates.
