DAYTONA BEACH (Florida) — After watching other developers build thousands of homes in Florida, the owners from outside the state of LPGA International are keen to join the fun.
Representatives from Virginia-based Fore Golf Partners LLC are holding a neighborhood meeting Tuesday night to present preliminary plans for replacing the 3-hole practice golf course at Daytona Beach with a new residential community. LPGA International would like to build 154 single-family homes in the vicinity of its existing golf driving range.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn LPGA located at 137 Automall Circle off Tomoka Farms Road in Daytona Beach.
However, some residents aren’t happy with the development.
Mary Jane Hurst, a resident of LPGA International, stated that she is concerned about the particular development because of a variety reasons. “I am concerned about the loss of trees, habitat for animals and aesthetics for the entire neighborhood.”
Maureen Suchenski is president of LPGA International’s Lions Paw Homeowners Association. She said that the practice course is very popular and a great asset for the members. The practice course has been used too many times for me to count. I will be very sad to see it go.
The developer didn’t respond to our request for comment.
Dennis Mrozek (planning director for the city), stated that the proposed plan preserves golf’s majority land use. The driving range will still be operational. A (1.1-acres) neighborhood park is also included in the development plan to provide a viewing area for pedestrians and drivers.
Mrozek stated that the current zoning permits single-family homes in the area. He wrote an email explaining that the proposed development would be compatible with existing area development patterns and residential use.
A preliminary site map shows a small area that could be used for retail. Mrozek stated that the developer doesn’t plan to include retail in their actual project.
According to the invitation to Tuesday’s neighborhood meeting, Fore Golf Partners (locally known as Jones Hill Golf LLC) is applying for city approval to “planned development-generally rezoning” and “small scale comprehensive plan amendment” to its property at 310 International Golf Drive.
LPGA International’s Arthur Hills Signature Course (Courtesy LPGA International).
After rejecting a $10.9M sale offer, owners have plans
Fore Golf Partners purchased the LPGA International practice course, driving range, and clubhouse as well as two 18-hole courses for $3.45million in 2019.
Last year, the company offered its LPGA International holdings for auction. The $10.9 million highest bid was rejected.
It is evident that the area has experienced tremendous growth.
In the LPGA, recent years have seen new developments in the area. These include the Jimmy Buffett-themed Latitude Margaritaville 55-and-older community, ICI Homes’ Mosaic “full-life” community, luxury apartment complexes, and several new shopping malls.
Meritage Homes, a member of LPGA International, has just begun construction on a 199-home community called Links Terrace right across from the practice area.
Meritage also plans to build Legends Preserve, a new community in the area that will add 264 homes just south of Municipal Stadium.
“We don’t require more (housing lots)”
Bob Crowley, a long-time LPGA International resident, says that Meritage projects are “part of the original plans” for the golf community, which has over 1,200 homes.
“We don’t need any more (housing lots). He said that there are still plenty of lots that can be built.
Greg Cardino, another LPGA International long-time resident, stated, “Many people here at LPGA are unhappy about what’s happening. I didn’t know Mr. (Charles) Staples, the CEO of Fore Golf Partners, needed the money so badly.”
Hurst and Dan, Hurst’s husband, pointed out that the 30-acre LPGA Golf Villas site includes marshlands as well as wooded areas. She expressed concern that the new development could eliminate these areas.
She said, “It’s beautiful and we don’t want it to be destroyed.”
