HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Neighbors in Hernando County held a rally Sunday afternoon in efforts to stop the potential sale of portions of a Scout Preservation. The land was gifted to the Boy Scouts of America back in the late 1970s.
Eric Cupps, who is an Eagle Scout, helped organize this event.
“Mr. Die Polder left this land, over 1,300 acres, to the scouts as a gift and that gift shouldn't be transferrable, as he indicated in his will. I'm here to speak today to say hey we need to honor his will and his intent and not sell this land,” Cupps said.
Larry Die Polder's will stipulated the property be used only for Boy Scout programs and never sold, but Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative is hoping to buy 50 acres. Another group is hoping to buy 450 acres
The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council issued a statement, saying back in January, the Hernando County circuit court confirmed the council's full property rights of the sand hill property.
It goes on to say Die Polder's son transferred two property deeds to the Boy Scouts giving them full ownership with no restrictions.
“It's devastating what they're going to do to this. This is also a sinkhole area and development will add to the sinkhole,” Holly Noel, a neighbor said.
People who live nearby, like Wendy Porter, said the sale will impact more than just the scouts. Wildlife will also suffer.
“I got coyotes in my neighborhood. I love animals and it's not their fault, but people are going to be attacked by it. Pets are going to be attacked by it,” Porter said.
The Council executive board is still discussing the potential sale while city leaders said they're keeping a close eye on what's happening.
“I'll be listening to the people, but if this matter ever comes upon the commission. I'll have to consider what's on the public record and vote accordingly, so I have respect to that as well,” Hernando County Commissioner elect Ryan Amsler said.
The Greater Tampa Bay Area council believes selling property to the electric company could be mutually beneficial.