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County To Consider Further Embry-Riddle Airport Discussion

    The Lake County Commission in the future may host an informational meeting regarding a proposed project near the Ocala National Forest in Northeast Lake County. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is proposing updates to an existing grass airfield north of CR 42 in the Deerhaven area, and the proposal has drawn public concern.
    The airstrip has been in place for decades, and is currently legal under an existing conditional use permit issued by Lake County.  However, plans to increase facilities at the site as well as pave the runway have raised public concerns over potential environmental and quality of life disruptions.
    The topic was raised again on Tuesday, July 28, under the public comment portion of the Lake County Commission’s regular meeting.  In response, commissioners agreed to consider a future meeting that could allow other agencies involved in the request - the U.S. Forest Service and the St. Johns River Water Management District, to update pending applications regarding the project.
    County staff confirmed the university’s application for a site plan approval for the project is pending in the county.  At this time, it is believed the university is intending to operate within the existing conditional use permit, as a previous application to alter the agreement was pulled.
    No date for such a public airing of the application was decided on Tuesday.