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The Southwest Florida Water Management District will vote Tuesday, July 28, on whether to release part of a public access easement across the Old Florida Springs property in Sumterville. The property is now being marketed as Echo Springs, a large mixed-use development through which the planned Central Parkway/County Road 470 realignment would pass. The issue…
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One lesson that applies equally to healthcare and local government is this: Complex systems succeed when decisions are made using data, transparency, and long-term thinking. Recently I’ve spent considerable time reviewing public budgets, infrastructure plans, environmental documents, and governance issues in my community. The experience has reinforced something I learned throughout my nursing leadership career:…
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https://savesumter.org/case/64b6451b645404cf0566d4f6062247269d485cc5 One of the most important moments during the June 9 Sumter County Commission meeting wasn’t a vote. It was an explanation of how Florida’s permitting process works. County staff repeatedly explained that the proposed Heart of Florida Landfill injection well is an administrative permitting process overseen by FDEP. They emphasized that permit decisions are…
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A community in upstate New York is asking many of the same questions residents here in Sumter County have been asking. According to a recent report, residents living near a landfill that accepts New York City waste describe persistent odors, concerns about truck traffic, and frustration that the facility continues operating while expansion issues remain…
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https://www.villages-news.com/2026/07/07/new-7-eleven-property-in-the-villages-sells-for-over-12-3-million/ isn’t just about a convenience store. Investors are betting on continued growth in our region for decades to come. Every new commercial investment brings opportunities—but also raises important questions: • Can roads keep up?• Will utilities and water infrastructure keep pace?• Are local governments planning for the long-term impacts?• How will this affect surrounding…
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On July 7, the Sumter County Tourist Development Council (TDC) will review a draft Tourism Development Plan that could guide how approximately $1.4 million in annual tourist development tax (bed tax) revenue is invested if current revenue estimates hold. While this isn’t a final spending decision, it establishes the priorities that will shape future funding…
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A recent Villages-News report states that The Villages is considering a $300,000 project to demolish and replace the restrooms at SeaBreeze Recreation Center. The project reportedly includes full demolition of the existing restrooms, new flooring, countertops, fixtures, partitions, paint, and wallpaper. The project would be paid for with amenity money. SeaBreeze Recreation Center opened in…
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Tonight’s Bushnell City Council meeting includes several items that could shape both the city’s future growth and how residents interact with their local government. The agenda includes: Why the public participation item matters While annexations and zoning changes often receive the most attention, the proposed changes to meeting procedures deserve careful review. Meeting rules establish:…
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Over the past several months, something has been changing in Sumter County. More residents are attending public meetings. More people are reading agenda packets before meetings instead of after them. Public records requests are uncovering information that was difficult to find, and neighbors are sharing documents, asking questions, and helping each other better understand local…
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OurSumter has contacted Florida Phoenix and Florida Trident to request review of concerns involving the Heart of Florida Environmental Landfill and its proposed deep injection-well project. The information shared includes: This outreach is intended to ensure the issue receives independent review beyond Sumter County. Contacting a news organization does not mean it has agreed to…