More about Betz and a Workshop
3 more business days until Betz Farm and things are changing every day. Before we get into it, I want to share a community workshop I am hosting on Saturday at the Coastal Region Library (Crystal River). It will be from 10am to 12pm.
This workshop is to provide people with details about the project, including what is currently approved in the DRI, what the applicant wants to see, and so on.
More importantly, I am going to give you tips on how to address the board at the meeting. Don't know what to say? I will provide you with some options. Come out and learn a bit more about the project and ask some questions. I cannot guarantee I know all the answers, but I know plenty. It will be a good time.
Back to recent happenings.
James Dicks has filed speaker authorization forms for 19 different companies including 12 people for each. This gives them 5 mins per organization. Buckle up for a long evening.
One interesting name is listed... Rob Batsel. I thought he had conflict with this project and this city representation he does... but perhaps that does not apply to other entities... even though Dicks owns them all?
But it would appear we may see him there... or his name is used as a placeholder just to add someone else to the list.
We shall see.
I have a feeling we will see more "organizations" show up at the meeting and get 5 mins. The quasi-judicial rules are different from the regular meeting rules. They do not require a legally formed organization registered in the state. They just require an organization or group in attendance... and does not define either.
Literally, anyone can form a "group"... anyone can form an "organization"... We will see who else uses the weak language to their advantage for 5 mins at the microphone.
Also, the rules do not say that the speaker for the organization has to speak on a topic in which the organization was formed. Here is the text for the regular meetings.
No such rule in the quasi-judicial ordinance. So any organization can speak about Betz Farm even if they were not formed for that reason. Own a beauty salon... 5 mins... own a pizza place... 5 mins. Say you are representing a group of people in the room... 5 mins.
This all will get fixed with the new board, but for now, they cannot do anything to stop it. The Rules are the Rules and should be applied equally.
Remember... If you plan on speaking, you need more than just "no more houses". You need to craft a reason that is competent and substantial evidence. Shameless plug... Attend Saturday and I will give you some ideas.
As for other things happening regarding this project.
Online chatter is heating up. People who tend not to get involved are now getting involved quite vocally. I have been questioned publicly about things related to this project and other things. I can handle it, so no issues there... but you can tell what we do on this page is striking a nerve and there is a fear that momentum is spreading enough to provide enough evidence to get it denied.
They are afraid of people showing up with knowledge and understanding of the project and providing real evidence that this should not be done. That is evidence the board can use to make a decision about the project. That is evidence the court can use if there is an appeal. If no one shows up, none of that gets put into the record.
So the discredit campaign starts to try to discredit what I do here and call into question everything about Betz to try to raise confusion. Not working!
They have stated that the ship has sailed and there is no way to save Betz Farm. It will be developed... however, I do not believe that to be true. There are ways to stop the project.. most of which I will bring out during the hearing during one of my speaker times. Lets just say there is a compelling case, issues with the contract and so on.
Again, if you want to see things happen that you have never seen happen at a BOCC meeting (all legal and civil of course), then make sure you are there on October 13th.
If you are interested in helping deliver a message, email me at curtiss@thecitrusinsider.com. I can get you on the speaker list 😄
But seriously, there may be a need for you to speak about something during the hearing. Let me know if that is of interest to you. I have a few ideas but need a few more bodies.
Pine Ridge did a great job with this back in 2024 and 2025. They had one after another get up and basically continue their argument beyond the 30 mins. The approach here would be similar, so if you want to say something, reach out and we can talk.
See you soon!