Lithia Strawberry Field Development Proposal Advances After Unanimous Vote

Neighbors raise concerns over increased traffic and community changes as commissioners move plan forward.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously voted 7-0 to advance a controversial proposal to build over 100 homes on 121 acres of strawberry fields in Lithia, Florida. Despite concerns from longtime local residents about increased traffic and the impact on their community, the measure now heads to state leaders in Tallahassee for review before returning to the county for a final vote in April.

Why it matters

This development proposal highlights the ongoing tensions between growth and preservation in the rapidly expanding Lithia area. Residents fear the project will exacerbate traffic issues and fundamentally alter the character of their community, while developers argue the land use change is necessary to accommodate the region's growth.

The details

The proposal seeks to amend the county's comprehensive plan to allow for one home per acre on the property along County Road 39, instead of the current limit of one home per five acres. Dozens of neighbors attended the commission meeting to voice their opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic, light pollution, and the loss of the area's rural character. Developer Michael Brooks argued that the board regularly makes such land use changes in the area, and that growth is inevitable.

  • On February 13, 2026, Hillsborough County commissioners unanimously voted 7-0 to advance the development proposal.
  • The proposal now heads to Tallahassee for state review.
  • If approved by state leaders, the proposal will return to Hillsborough County for a final vote in April 2026.

The players

Hillsborough County Commissioners

The county governing body that unanimously voted to advance the development proposal.

Jessica Scott

A Lithia resident who expressed concerns about the impact of continued growth on the area's peace, quiet, and rural character.

Miles Scott

Jessica Scott's husband, who also voiced concerns about the proposal's potential to increase traffic and light pollution in Lithia.

Tony Parker

A longtime Lithia resident who fears the precedent this proposal sets for future development along Highway 39.

Michael Brooks

A developer for GLH Enterprises who argued that the board regularly makes land use changes in the rural area to accommodate growth.

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What they’re saying

“I enjoy not hearing traffic and sirens. Seeing the stars without light, and now we're starting to see light pollution.”

— Miles Scott, Lithia Resident (fox13news.com)

“Most of us have animals. We want peace and quiet. We don't want to deal with the traffic, and it's just becoming overcrowded.”

— Jessica Scott, Lithia Resident (fox13news.com)

“What was once a strawberry field can have houses on it and a McDonald's up front.”

— Tony Parker, Longtime Lithia Resident (fox13news.com)

“Obviously, development needs to happen. We need to continue to grow, but it needs to be done in a sustainable way.”

— Miles Scott, Lithia Resident (fox13news.com)

What’s next

If approved by state leaders, the development proposal will return to Hillsborough County for a final vote in April 2026.

The takeaway

This development proposal in Lithia highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing growth and preservation in rapidly expanding communities. While some see the need for more housing, longtime residents fear the project will fundamentally alter the character of their community and exacerbate existing traffic issues.