Rancho Diana, a proposed glamping site in Hendry County, has received final approval from county commissioners despite opposition from some local residents. 

The project, which aims to introduce a new outdoor lodging experience to the area, has been met with resistance from community members concerned about its potential impact on their way of life.

According to a report by Wink News, Deisy Prieto, owner of Rancho Diana, expressed enthusiasm for the approval, highlighting the long journey to securing the necessary permissions. 

“We’re extremely happy and excited. It has been a long process,” Prieto said. The site is expected to feature a range of activities, including farm-to-table experiences, fishing, cooking lessons, and a petting zoo.

However, some residents, including Krista Fischer of LaDeca, remain firmly opposed to the development. 

Fischer voiced her disappointment with the decision, stating, “We’re disappointed, but we are not defeated. We’re going to continue to fight this to preserve our peaceful way of living. The neighbors said a hard no. The commissioners just didn’t hear us.” 

Fischer also suggested that further efforts, including private discussions with commissioners, could be pursued to challenge the approval.

For outdoor hospitality operators, the situation in Hendry County underscores the complexities of developing new glamping sites, particularly in rural areas where residents may be wary of increased visitor traffic. 

Balancing the demand for alternative lodging options with community concerns is a challenge developers frequently encounter. 

Engaging stakeholders early in the process, addressing concerns proactively, and demonstrating economic benefits to the local area can be critical to gaining community support.

Rancho Diana’s next steps involve working with engineers to finalize infrastructure plans, including cabins, roads, and amenities. 

While the approval marks a significant milestone for the project, local opposition suggests that discussions around the development may continue as the site moves toward completion.