Dear Editor,
As a small business owner and resident of Plant City, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing impacts of new development on our rural residences and agricultural environment. Recent hurricanes have highlighted the urgent need for better runoff management and Plant City leadership cannot stand idly by, naively believing that “runoff will be handled by other organizations.” The failed water runoff during these storms has resulted in significant flooding and water pollution, which crippled my horse boarding facility, even though I have brought runoff issues to the Commissioners numerous times.
Something needs to be done; Plant City leaders need to hold those “other organizations” accountable and take tangible steps to develop responsibly. Here are two simple solutions that can be implemented without reservation.
For background, Governor DeSantis’ Clean Waterways Act (SB 712), effective December 17, 2025, is a crucial step towards addressing our issues. This law introduces stricter water runoff standards, mandating developers to retain more water runoff on-site, while improving the quality of the runoff as well. SB 712 acknowledges that their concept known as “cup for cup” is a failed solution and not sustainable in the future. The recent hurricanes highlight how “cup for cup” floods rural residents and ag businesses.
Moreover, SB 712 enhances water quality standards by addressing nutrient pollution, a major contributor to water quality degradation in our area. By enforcing these standards, the law aims to reduce random runoff contents which contribute to harmful algal blooms. For example, after Hurricane Helene, the water runoff on my property had a dark milky coloration and a few days later the endangered species (wood stork) died with no signs of trauma. I sent the carcass to the Florida Department of Agriculture for testing, as our horses graze in those pastures and the potential contamination is very concerning.
To truly protect Plant City, civic leaders must proactively adopt the new standards established by SB 712 into our city code and Planned Developments (PDs) before the effective date. By doing so, we can ensure that developers comply with the new requirements and mitigate potential flooding and pollution issues. Nothing is preventing our civic leaders from taking this step and one must ask why.
Preserving our agricultural heritage is also essential. New residential developments should include architectural features that reflect our roots, such as water wheels and barn-like structures.
Commercial and industrial projects should incorporate design elements that pay homage to our agricultural past, enhancing the city skyline and creating a cohesive community identity. For example, commercial buildings could feature silos, windmills, and farm-themed murals, while industrial areas could include gables, cupolas, and other farm-related structures.
To ensure these standards are upheld, civic leaders should place this language into a Plant City amendment, requiring a public vote for any changes. This will prevent behind-the-scenes deals (known as Fred’s Round Table) and ensure that our community’s values are reflected in future development projects in a transparent manner. Amendment 1 – adopt SB 712 Florida Law water standards immediately and without exception on any and all developments.
Amendment 2 – new developments should reflect Plant City’s rich agricultural heritage. Residential Development will include decorative water wheels in community spaces, rooflines and structures that mimic traditional barns by using natural materials like wood and stone to evoke a rustic charm.
Commercial and Industrial Development will include silos, windmills, and farm-related structures, visually appealing facades with gables, cupolas, and farm-themed murals, as well as welcoming features at key entry points, showcasing Plant City’s agricultural roots.
I urge my fellow residents to support these initiatives for better water runoff management and nostalgic agricultural integration. By sharing this vision with our neighbors, attending public forums, and engaging with local leaders, we can create a Plant City that honors its past while embracing its future.
Sincerely,
Travis Luttrell
Shiloh Equestrian Center
References:
• Florida Senate. (2023). SB 712: Clean Waterways Act. Retrieved from
• UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center. (2021). Water Wednesday Recap:
Florida’s Water Policies 1. Retrieved from https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/2021/03/05/water- wednesday-recap-floridas-water-policies/