WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

  1. Risk to National and Local Security:
    1. Once zoned and built, this private military training center, with 2000 acres of live fire ranges, a runway more than a mile long, helipads, towers, etc. can be sold to anyone – including foreign governments, foreign organizations and enemies of the United States of America.
    2. Once zoned, NO ONE can reverse the zoning.
    1. There will be NO OVERSIGHT of this facility. Once it is built no one will be able to enter without a court order.
    1. There will be more firepower and manpower in this facility than in ALL of Highlands County law enforcement COMBINED.
    1. Increased Taxes:
      1. No Impact Fees – again, resulting in increased taxes for Highlands County residents and property owners. Impact fees are assessed against new developments for the cost of building infrastructure. This private developer will not have to pay impact fees. The cost will be borne by Highlands County taxpayers.  
      1. Project pays low Agriculture rate taxes. Again leaving costs to Highlands County residents.
  2. This project is surrounded by agricultural and conservation lands.
  3. The nearest hospital is 42 miles away.
  4. There are thousands of un-sold lots in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid.
  5. No Jobs for Highlands County Residents.
    1. Bids for construction is coming from huge highly specialized construction companies, not from Highlands County. 
    2.  On the construction bid site, bids for this project were listed “by invitation only.”
  6. WILL DESTROY THE COMMUNITY OF VENUS
    1. Flight path for the C1-30s and military helicopters will be right over the homes and ranches of Venus residents.
    2. Lights will obliterate the beauty of starry night skies.
    3. Increased traffic and the likelihood of bars and strip clubs in Venus.
  7. Environmental Concerns
    1. Project area contains the headwaters of the Fisheating Creek/Lake Okeechobee AND Peace River watersheds.
    2. Home to panthers, black bear and Florida’s signature Swallow-tailed Kites.
    3. Plunk in the middle of open spaces near the south end of the Lake Wales Ridge, one of the signature land forms and ecosystems in Florida.