As you can see from these photos, the Serenova Preserve in Pasco County is truly one of Florida's Special Places. Unfortunately, development interests intent on spurring a development boon in the eastern part of Pasco County, and the misguided political leaders of Pasco County want to destroy it with an unnecessary road.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended the comment period through January 27 on a permit application by Pasco County to build a road known as the “Ridge Road Extension” through the Serenova Preserve, a 6,000 acre tract owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Letters and emails to the Corps are crucial, and if enough are received, sources tell us we have a real chance to stop this devastating and unnecessary project. This tract was purchased by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) in the late 1990s as mitigation for about 200 acres of wetland destruction associated with the construction of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s “Suncoast Parkway”.
When DOT bought the land and transferred it to SWFWMD, it retained the right to allow “Ridge Road” to be built in an east-west direction, linking U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and the Suncoast Parkway. However, the loss of extensive habitat in the Serenova tract and the division of important wildlife habitat by a road corridor is causing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carefully review whether to issue the permit to Pasco County. Even though the original Serenova mitigation deal technically allows the Corps of Engineers to consider a permit for the Ridge Road Extension, it does not guarantee its approval. Concerned citizens can increase the chances of the Corps denying this permit by sending comments recommending permit denial to the Corps by January 27.
The Serenova Preserve is a highly important ecological treasure under the management of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. This is a “Special Place” that should be defended against encroachment by a new highway that will severely compromise its wildlife habitat values.
Comments on the proposed project should be submitted in writing to the District Engineer at 10117 Princess Palm Avenue, Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33610. Use our easy email form by clicking here or send your comments directly to: Tracy.E.Hurst@usace.army.mil.
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