ZONING ALERT Application #26-0213

An application has been filed to rezone 18834 Boyette Road from Agricultural-Rural (AR) to Commercial Planned Development in order to allow a private indoor/outdoor sports training facility operating 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This change would permanently convert nearly 10 acres of AR Zoned land into a commercial operation in an area that is specifically protected by Hillsborough County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Why This Matters

This zoning request raises serious concerns for nearby residents and the future of our rural community:

The site does not qualify for commercial zoning.
County policy requires commercial properties to be located near qualifying intersections and adequate infrastructure. This property does not meet those standards, yet the applicant is seeking a special waiver to bypass them.

Planned Development zoning removes protections.
Unlike standard zoning, a Planned Development allows future expansion, added uses, and intensification with fewer safeguards for neighbors.

Boyette Road cannot handle this traffic.
Boyette Road is a substandard two-lane road with no alternative access. All employees, athletes, delivery vehicles, and visitors would be forced onto this already-strained roadway.

The business previously operated without approval.
The applicant has already used the property for business purposes without proper zoning and without required building permits, then applied for rezoning after code enforcement was involved.

This sets a dangerous precedent.
If this request is approved, it opens the door for commercial development in Agricultural-Rural neighborhoods across Hillsborough County, undermining long-standing protections for residents.

Possible Consequences if this is allowed

• More traffic and road congestion
• Increased accident risk on Boyette Road
• Lower nearby property values
• More noise from crowds, whistles, and speakers
• Bright lights and parking lot glare at night
• Increased crime, loitering, and vandalism
• More strain on police, fire, and EMS
• Loss of rural character and open space
• Sets a dangerous precedent for more commercial sprawl
• Weakens the county’s own planning and safety rules
• Stress on horses and livestock
• Wells going dry
• Drainage on properties
• A business model similar to this one is already popping up in other locations zoned AR! If one is allowed others may be too

Action Needed – CALL AND EMAIL ALL 7 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Please Call the County Commissioners

We’ve created a contact list for all 7 Hillsborough County Commissioners, and we need everyone to start calling each one to voice opposition to the proposed rezoning on Boyette Road – Application #26-0213.

This zoning change would impact our rural AR community, and it is critical that every commissioner hears from us.

Important to know:

Christine Miller is our local district commissioner

Donna Cameron Cepeda is the county-wide commissioner

Even though we have local and county-wide representatives, ALL 7 commissioners vote, so every one of them must be contacted.

When you call, simply say:

“I am calling to oppose zoning application #26-0213 on Boyette Road and I ask that the land remain zoned AR.”

Please take a few minutes to make these calls and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. This is how we protect our community.

EMAIL THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

We are urging every member of our community to contact the Hillsborough County Commissioners and express your opposition to the proposed rezoning that would allow a commercial sports business to operate on land currently zoned Agricultural Rural. This type of zoning exists to protect our quiet, low-density lifestyle, our animals, our safety, and the rural character we all moved here to enjoy. Allowing a commercial operation to override these protections sets a dangerous precedent for our entire area. Your email or message to the Commissioners can make a meaningful impact—please take a moment to share your concerns and help preserve the rural community we’ve all worked so hard to build.

The link to contact your county commissioners can be found at:

https://hcfl.gov/government/board-of-county-commissioners/contact-your-commissioner

You are able to email all seven commissioners at the same time by selecting the option available under the map:

Be sure to check the box indicating this is related to an active zoning application, and include the correct Application Number (26-0213):

Here’s How you can Help

Reach out. If you have information, suggestions, or want to get involved, please message us.

Stay informed. Follow this page for updates as the rezoning moves through the county.

Speak up. Attend hearings, submit public comments, and make your concerns known to Hillsborough County officials.

Share this information. Many neighbors have no idea this is happening. Spreading awareness is critical.

Watch for similar activities. With copy-cat businesses already appearing on Dorman Road, community awareness is our strongest defense.