In a unanimous and surprising 4-0 vote, the St. Leo Town Commission blocked a proposed 620-home development called Mohr’s Crossing on the Abbey golf course property in Pasco County. The decision denied transmittal of a comprehensive plan amendment that would have allowed Ryan Homes to build 440 single-family homes and 180 townhomes on 289 acres. The vote came after over two hours of emotional testimony from 45 speakers, nearly all opposed to the project, with roughly 130 petition signatures entered into the record. Residents and Saint Leo University argued the development would destroy the town’s rural character, while Ryan Homes representatives claimed the project was financially necessary and that denying it violated the church’s property rights. The Abbey golf course has struggled financially, with its restaurant burned down five years ago, and the Benedictine order voted unanimously to sell the land. University president Dr. Jim Burkee framed the debate as a question of whether small towns can still shape their own futures, drawing loud applause. While residents celebrated the rare victory, the developer may reapply or pursue legal remedies under Florida property rights laws.
St. Leo Commission Blocks 620-Home Development on Abbey Golf Course
