Frostproof Council Denies 48-Acre Rezoning On North Scenic Highway After Residents Object
Four parcels of farmland off North Scenic Highway in Frostproof will remain agricultural after the City Council turned down a request to open roughly 48 acres for rural housing.
The council voted 4-1 on Oct. 19 to deny Ordinance 2026-19, which would have changed the city’s future land use map, and minutes later denied the companion zoning ordinance as well. Mayor Michael Hutto was the only vote against denial both times. The council adopted the meeting minutes on Oct. 26.
Hutto moved to approve the land use change, but his motion died for lack of a second. Adam Greenway then moved to deny it, Tashana True seconded, and the denial carried on a roll call. The zoning ordinance, 2026-20, followed on a motion from Greenway seconded by True, with Hutto again dissenting.
The request covered 48.47 acres in four parcels east of North Scenic Highway and north of South Lake Patrick Road. The applicant wanted the land moved from Agriculture to Residential Rural on the future land use map and from city unassigned to Rural Residential on the zoning map, which the application described as allowing for future development. Brenda Torres of the Central Florida Regional Planning Council presented both items, and John Schneider of Hunter Engineering attended on behalf of the applicant.
Eight residents spoke before the vote. They came from roads around the site, including South Lake Moody Road and Thornburg Road, and from Haines City, Lake Wales, and West Palm Beach.
Each council member used their closing comments to discuss how the city brings land inside its limits. Greenway said Frostproof should be more proactive and transparent about annexing properties into the city, and he said he values the Planning and Zoning Commission’s opinions. True agreed on both counts and said she wants decisions that preserve the city’s small-town feel. Brewer echoed them. Gravley reaffirmed his goal of protecting rural Florida and thanked residents for turning out. Hutto, on the losing side of both votes, agreed that the annexation process should be proactive and transparent.
That night, the council also approved two $62,658.25 payments to Williams Construction Company for mobilization and dry-in work on the City Hall re-roof, both from a historical grant, and spent $15,400 with America First Air Conditioning and Heating to replace the A/C unit at the Sheriff’s Office. Members approved a $500 donation to the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial and cleared street closures for a First Baptist Church trunk-or-treat.
Code enforcement reported collecting $66,740 across the 2025-2026 fiscal year against $1,366,350.58 in total liens, with 294 cases opened. October alone brought in $72,861.01 with nine new cases.
The council meets again at 6 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 111 West First St.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did Frostproof approve the North Scenic Highway rezoning?
No. The City Council denied both the future land use change and the rezoning on Oct. 19, each by a 4-1 vote with Mayor Michael Hutto dissenting.
How much land was involved in the Frostproof rezoning request?
48.47 acres in four parcels east of North Scenic Highway and north of South Lake Patrick Road.
What change was the applicant asking for?
A move from Agriculture to Residential Rural on the city’s future land use map, and from city unassigned to Rural Residential on the zoning map, which the application described as allowing for future development.
How did the Frostproof City Council vote?
Hutto moved to approve and got no second. Adam Greenway moved to deny, Tashana True seconded, and the denial passed 4-1. The companion zoning ordinance was denied the same way, with Hutto again the lone dissenter.
When does the Frostproof City Council meet next?
At 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at City Hall, 111 West First St.
Sources: “Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, Oct. 19, 2026,” City of Frostproof, cityoffrostproof.com, Oct. 19, 2026; “City Council Members,” City of Frostproof, cityoffrostproof.com
