Swamp Hammock  (by: tom walsh  -   2/18/2013)

`The article says, "Will Swamp Hammock stimulate our local economy? Yes. Will Swamp Hammock produce jobs in Highlands County? Yes. Will Swamp Hammock use local vendors and help local businesses? Yes. Will the events and activities that Swamp Hammock will offer bring in visitors from other towns, counties, and states? Yes. "
Wonderful. Now, back up ALL these statements with factual data to prove what you wrote.
Personally, I cannot visualize this as a sound enterprise. It is too far removed from the highway (27) and the infrastructure will not support the number of vehicles necessary to make this viable. And I am not afraid to sign my name. I do not hide behind some non-de-plume.

Charissa Buice   (by: Churches Against Mudbogs!  -   2/18/2013)

Ms. Buice, we know you are a friend of Gabe White. It needs to be know and I am sure you know that he has NO MONETARY investment in SWAMP HAMMOCK.
Since you seem to be an expert on Mudbogging Commerce, you should agree that these events are NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY exposing our children to excessive drinking and druck driving, and fights as well as our children exposed to the adult sexual activities, dancing and flashing?
With you working for a Baptist Preschool, I am floored that you would attend such events and write in favor of these events!

27 Accidents in Okeechobee  (by: Don't do it!!  -   2/18/2013)

27 accidents, 15 ambulance rides and 3 airlifts all from just 1 event recently in Okeechobee.
Recently before that a young man died falling off the dance stage and had been drinking at Triple Canopy MudJam. Like Jimmy E Mock Jr of Lakeland said ...
Jimmy E Mock Jr. · Lakeland, Florida
"Boots n Buckles Security was on the stage and were suppose to be keeping all non VIP wristband wearing individuals off the stage. I smell a lawsuit."
Everyone thinks because they sign a waiver that they can't be sued....well anyone can sue anyone, and if the county approves the use and it is not safe, they they will be sued also especially since they should know what really goes on at these events and they are not able to control it and keep it SAFE. There is chatter about a lawsuit from the recent MudFest in Okeechobee also over one of the tramas.
Will Family Services go undercover to protect our children? Will the police and DEA go under cover to bust the drugs and underage drinking? Will code enforcements go undercover to shut these events down when the stipper poles and barely dressed women are flashing in front of our children?
Don't do it Highlands County!

Only Family Oppose?  (by: J Peterson  -   2/17/2013)

It is kind of naive how you think only a few people will be impacted by this out West Josephine Road. I think you are underestimating the number of people who will have their worlds rocked and property values plummet because of Swamp Hammock.
Also, it is pretty funny how you say that only people who are family and friends of the neighbors are speaking out against it, when the people speaking out for it only seem to be family and friends of Gabe White and Jeff Kennedy, who don't even own the land...

Swamp Hammock  (by: Swamped Resident  -   2/15/2013)

I think the only thing "Swamp Hammock Recreation Club" will do , is SWAMP Highlands County with legal issues and unpaid bills. SWAMP the local residents with unwanted traffic, crime,and litter, and SWAMP the environmental balance in that area, which was so very important when the property was advertised as "Saddleridge", an upscale, conservation conscious equestrian estates community. Really a bad attempt at recouping monies from an ill fated real estate investment.

Totally Against  (by: Totally Disgusted  -   2/15/2013)

The Sebring Race Track is exactly where this needs to be. They have much better road access, which does not take them though residential and they have the needed infrastructure...this will not bring business and jobs, it will take away business from the legitimate camp sites and RV sites and stores since they want to do it all themselves. The other businesses and racetrack are in the proper zonings...B2 B3 or I2 paying a lot more in taxes to be properly zoned.
Haven't any of you seen how our children are being exposed to excessive drinking, or heard about the drugs and the blantant sexual activities....
Didn't anyone see last weekend's tramas at MUDFEST? Check it out on their facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheMudFest
There are several comments, but this one sums it up the best..."The word MUDfest sounds fun until you learn more about the actual events. Due to an over and abundant consumption of alcohol people make bad choices and behave like animals. An amazing man is in ICU fighting for his life because of someone's careless actions. I sincerely hope and pray this event in NEVER allowed or permitted to happen again"
This will only hurt our county as they will never be able to properly control events like this.

I agree!  (by: Rick H  -   2/15/2013)

The economic benefits to the county far outweigh the inconvenience of a few.

Bad Plan  (by: Lash Larue  -   2/14/2013)

In the planning documents it shows that the adjacent properties are agricultural. The County staff said this land use change is compatible with the adjacent properties use. That makes no sense. Cattle ranching and homesteading are not compatible with Alcohol sales, Outdoor shooting and archery ranges, Mobile food and beverage vendors including Fireworks/Laser light displays, Audio Video productions, Music concerts. What’s Wrong With This Picture.

Swamp Hammock  (by: Dalne Kennedy  -   2/13/2013)

NICELY SAID!!!

Absolutely Not!  (by: Blindman  -   2/13/2013)

The future of Highlands County certainly does not depend on Swamp Hammock! I am opposed to the thing and I do not live out there nor do I have family or friends in that area. You say; "Swamp Hammock will do this or Swamp Hammock will do that"... well bull! Some of the roads around there will probably get torn up from the traffic and the county will have to spend more money to maintain them. And the Board of County Commissioners is obligated to protect "all" citizens of Highlands County and to make sure "no one" gets hurt by any ill advised or irresponsible decisions. No if it gets approved I will accept but I personally feel it's wrong right now and I certainly would not wish this Swamp Thing on my neighbors or the good folks on Margueite Road.

Perhaps In Your Backyard  (by: Kent Steele  -   2/13/2013)

Seriously, if you think a mud bog that will benefit a few country boys is going to make an economic impact on Highlands County you must be dreaming. Sure perhaps some minimum wage jobs for a few of their friends but that is about all. Do you believe these "developers" have the capital backing of a Disney Corporation or a Donald. Panoz? Besides, you'd be singing a different tune if it were to be built in your backyard.

How Much?  (by: Look Up Braha at Highlands Co Clerk of Courts website  -   2/13/2013)

I'd love to see some studies on how much money is really going to be brought to Highlands County... The facility itself is going to sell food, alcohol, and lodging. Swamp Hammock sits on the county line, so half the people coming won't even travel past a store, restaurant, or gas station in Highlands County to attend events. The owners (Braha Sebring, NOT GABE WHITE!) have a track record of not paying local companies who have worked out there. Please look up Braha on the Highlands County Clerk of Courts Official Search website. Don't fall for the pretty idea that Braha Sebring has any interest in the welfare of Highlands County. This is all about making money.

Re: FSS 125.045  (by: Guest  -   2/13/2013)

If you continue reading the entire statute, you will see Florida State Statute 125.045 deals with utilizing public funds to assist with the intent of the Legislature. It does not mention anything about changing zoning or approving events such as this. Please, if you are going to spout off law, at least read/post it all instead of just the portion that makes you look like you know what you're talking about. By the way, I could care less either way if this is approved. I just wanted to point out your misleading use of Florida Statute.
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0125/Sections/0125.045.html

swamp hammock  (by: keith stricklin  -   2/13/2013)

pretty much sums it up its a no brainer,swamp hammock has my vote 100% as my friends and family feel the same way ive lived in highlands county all my life my opinion this would be the most exiting thing for our county.

Swamp Hammock  (by: Residnt  -   2/13/2013)

It's easy to say it's all for the best and naysayers are being silly or selfish or delusional. I just wonder if you would be singing the same tune, if there were something like this proposed on or near Harnage Road? Hmm.

Amen!  (by: Anonymous  -   2/13/2013)

This is what I've been saying all along! Our local economy NEEDS this! It would bring more jobs and so much more business to our little county! Just like the Sebring races do each year except for on a more regular basis rather than just once a year. Do people complain about the noise and backed up traffic from those? Yes. Will we ever shut the track down because of it? I seriously doubt it.