Title and Board Action Requested
title
Review the presentation of a request for a six-month extension of the Finding of Available School Capacity issued to Opal Farms, a 618-single family and 264-Multifamily development, by Claire Clements, Southern Citrus Groves, LLC, and Jim Lipsey, HCSD.
body
Executive Summary
The Director of Facilities and Construction, on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby requests the Board review the presentation of a request for a six-month extension of the Finding of Available School Capacity issued to Opal Farms, a 618-single family and 264-Multifamily development, by Claire Clements, Southern Citrus Groves, LLC, and Jim Lipsey, HCSD.
A Finding of Available School Capacity was issued on August 23, 2024. A Pending Expiration Notice was issued on August 12, 2025. Prior to the expiration of the current finding, the applicant submitted a written request for a one-time extension of six months, together with documentation intended to justify the request and substantiate the developer’s good faith effort in moving forward with the project.
Staff have reviewed the documentation and will request the Board approve, at a future Board meeting, the applicant’s request to extend the expiration date of the Finding of Available School Capacity for six months, effective the date of approval.
My Contact
Brian Ragan
Director of Facilities & Construction
ragan_b@hcsb.k12.fl.us
(352) 797-7050
Jim Lipsey
School Planner
lipsey_j@hcsb.k12.fl.us
(352) 797-7050
2023-28 Strategic Focus Area
Priority 5: Fiscal Transparency and Capital Planning
Financial Impact
See attached budget sheet.
If expenditure is not currently budgeted, this will serve as the budget amendment when Board approved. If the agenda item includes the purchase of goods or services, the funds requested are an anticipated amount and may fluctuate depending on such factors as current market conditions, product availability, additional funding sources, and the needs of the District. Should the actual cost exceed the anticipated amount, the Board approves the additional cost, after review by the superintendent, but not in excess of the funds available in the site’s approved annual budget.