Orange County commissioners reject Lake Pickett North development

Residents asked vote to pushed back

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County commissioners voted 4-3 Tuesday night to reject a controversial rezoning for a North Lake Pickett development, called Sustany.

The controversial project around Lake Pickett in east Orange County was the second major development the commission was asked to approve.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs opposed the matter, suggesting it was important to listen to what citizens said about the project.

Commissioner Victoria Siplin flipped her vote, previously in favor of rezoning for the south Lake Pickett project, called The Grow.

Commissioner Ted Edwards maintained his support for the project and said commissioners sometimes have to do the unpopular thing if they think it's in the best interest of the community.

County commissioners voted to approve one of the proposals for The Grow, known as Lake Pickett South, in September.

Residents asked the board to wait on Tuesday's vote until after newly elected Commissioner Emily Bonilla takes office.

Following Edwards’ support of two developments around Lake Pickett, he was voted out of office on Nov. 8.

Many residents living in the area were upset with Edwards for backing the two developments. Bonilla opposes both Lake Pickett projects. She will be sworn in on Dec. 6.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs also asked to postpone the vote.

More than 30 people signed up to speak before the commission.


About the Authors

Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter Mike DeForest has been covering Central Florida news for more than two decades.