A proposal to introduce glamping, a form of upscale camping, to the rural community of Ladeca in Hendry County ignited a debate between a local family and residents who are concerned about the potential impact on their way of life.
The project, led by the Prieto family, aims to bring jobs and tourism to the area, but some neighbors see it as a threat to their rural lifestyle.
The Prietos have taken steps to address community concerns. They plan to present their security measures and operational protocols at a meeting scheduled for Monday (January 13). The family’s engineer will be on hand to answer questions and provide details about how they intend to mitigate potential risks associated with the glamping site.
Two key meetings will determine the future of the project. The first meeting will focus on addressing residents’ concerns, while the second, set for January 28, will see county commissioners make a final decision on whether the proposal will be approved.
Daisy Prieto, a longtime Clewiston resident and co-owner of a local medical wellness clinic, is spearheading the project with her family. Inspired by a national glamping conference in Colorado, the Prietos believe their venture can offer unique outdoor experiences to visitors while boosting the local economy.
“We went to the national conference for glamping in Colorado,” Prieto explained, as reported by Wink on January 9. “To our surprise, it was huge. It was a whole five days. But there were people from everywhere. All the world was there.”
The proposed glamping site would feature amenities such as hot tubs, an outdoor pool, jacuzzis, and a petting zoo for children. Prieto also emphasized that their development adheres to local regulations. “It’s not something that we’re doing that is not allowed,” she said. “We are following the proper protocol.”
However, not all residents of Ladeca support the idea. The rural area, known for its dirt roads and wildlife, is valued by locals for its tranquility and unspoiled natural surroundings. Many worry that the introduction of a glamping site could disrupt their peaceful environment and lead to increased traffic and noise.
Suzanne Harper, a Ladeca resident, expressed concerns about one family’s project affecting the broader community. “It just doesn’t seem right that one party can come in and make changes to our lifestyle that are going to affect us,” she said.
Krista Fischer, another resident, voiced worries about the implications of the development. She highlighted potential fire risks, plumbing issues, and safety concerns. Fischer also noted the possibility of glampers inadvertently harming local animals due to a lack of knowledge about their care.
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