Arcadia residents raise concerns over proposed industrial rezoning in DeSoto County

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK)—A company that makes pavers is looking to rezone property from agricultural to industrial on S.W. Wood Street in DeSoto County, raising concerns among nearby residents.

Forest Reynolds, an 87-year-old homeowner, takes care of farm animals on her multi-acre property. Earlier this year, she noticed the public hearing sign about the land rezoning hearing. She brought her concerns about the project to WINK Listens in Arcadia.

"We're about to lose what makes DeSoto so special," Reynolds said.

If the application is approved by the DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners, it would allow industrial buildings to be built on the property.

According to a spokesperson for DeSoto County, Ozer Properties LLC’s exact rezone request on the land is to rezone 42.286 acres from A10 to IH. A10 means Agriculture 10, and IH stands for Industrial Heavy. 

Reynolds and her financial advisor, Tim Turner, are concerned about how an industrial project could impact water quality and infrastructure in Reynolds' rural neighborhood. 

"The farm that we have is 84 acres with cattle... We don't want [the project] with the chemicals coming down," Turner said. "We have a water conservation on that farm. When the water flows, it flows off of this property down to the property that we have."

While we don't have specific information related to chemicals, WINK News reporter Maddie Herron did reach out to the project team with Ozer Properties LLC. She asked about how the project would impact nearby properties environmentally, economically and infrastructure-wise. After weeks of emails, the project team did not answer all questions but provided information based on materials handed out at a community meeting on May 18.

A spokesperson for the project sent a map of the site plan. The right side shows two industrial buildings, while the left side shows most of the space labeled as material storage areas.

The project team also sent a graphic showing how Universal Hardscape's pavers are made. It states raw materials like sand, stone and gravel are kept outside, while pavers are created, packaged and shipped inside the facility.

In an email to WINK, a spokesperson for the project calls it an "important economic development" for DeSoto County. Reynolds and Turner remain uncertain about what the future holds for their properties, if commissioners approve the application.

"If they vote it through, we'll probably end up selling our properties," Turner said. "You know, it just takes away the quality of life." 

The original land re-zoning hearing was scheduled for April, however the project team pushed it back to June 23. After feedback from the community, the company has again delayed the meeting with commissioners until September.

In a letter sent on June 3, to surrounding property owners and community meeting attendees, the project's land use and environmental law attorney said in part:

"As a direct result of the positive, constructive conversations we shared at the conclusion of that meeting—as well as the productive discussions that have taken place since—we want to let you know that we are continuing our application to the September 22, 2026 hearing date. This additional time will allow us to thoughtfully consider the feedback we’ve received and keep the dialogue going."

WINK News will keep you updated on this developing story.