March 28, 2024

South Central: Growing Strong

Agricultural experience puts South Central Florida on the fast track to green energy success.

Gary Shepherd | 9/24/2009

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY


“The permitting process was very favorable here.”

- Bill Harvey, owner
Silver Palms RV Village
Okeechobee

Easy permitting spurs development: Phase I development has been completed at the gated, upscale Silver Palms RV Village that is taking shape on land formerly used for cattle grazing and sod farming just north of Lake Okeechobee. “The permitting process was very favorable here,” says owner Bill Harvey, who has invested $15 million in the development so far. Plans call for 512 sites for high-end recreational vehicles, with prices ranging from $55,900 to $80,000 per site. Amenities include: a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse; a three-acre recreation facility; multiple pools, athletic courts and game areas. About one-quarter of the residents are expected to live year-round at Silver Palms, which opened in March 2009.

Aiming for an upscale lifestyle: The 2,400-acre Pine Creek Sporting Club opened late in 2008 just outside the town of Okeechobee; honorary members include golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Equidistant from Palm Beach and Orlando, Pine Creek is self-described as an “exclusive, members-only champions’ clays and wing shooting club.” Members can buy a home on the Pine Creek grounds or an annual club membership, either of which allows them to enjoy “roughing it” in total luxury.

Wide open: Okeechobee transportation infrastructure includes State Road 70, currently being widened by the Florida Department of Transportation.

DESOTO COUNTY

Reaping energy from sunshine: Florida Power & Light (FPL), the state’s largest investor-owned utility, is building the world’s largest solar panel “farm” on a site just north of Arcadia. Situated on 1,525 acres, The DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center is a 25-megawatt facility featuring 90,000 photovoltaic panels. Slated for completion in late 2009, the project is expected to provide enough energy to power 3,000 homes.

Focused on transportation improvements: Elected federal representatives from DeSoto and Hardee counties are teaming up to secure funding to improve 21 miles of U.S. Highway 17, a key north-south artery through the region.

Tags: Central, Business Florida

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