Orlando to Grow Over 60% with Possible Annexation of Deseret Ranch

By Roger Jimenez

Back in August of this year, Farmland Reserve — an investment firm for the church of Jesus-Christ Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church — filed for voluntary annexation with the City of Orlando, asking the government to take control over parts of Deseret Ranch to the city. If granted, the City of Orlando would increase in size by an unbelievable 68%, possibly changing the landscape of the city forever. 

As of Monday, October 21, the Orlando City Council requested to delay the annexation vote to the day before the election, November 4, allowing more time to work on the agreement. The public have all opposed the annexation, urging the council to focus on the community and land the city currently has first, with the annexation forcing emergency services and resources to become even more limited than it currently stands for Orlando residents.

group of people in a board room with a council

Orlando City Council on Monday, October 21, 2024 - Credit: Spectrum News/Maria Serrano

Where is the land?

The unincorporated land covers a large division of eastern Orange County, located between Lake Nona and Brevard County - a total of 52,450 acres. In comparison, all of Orlando’s current acreage is approximately 87,888 acres. 

deseret ranch map

Deseret Ranch Property (all acres - not just those voluntarily being annexed) - Credit: Florida Trend

It’s hard to deny how massive the city would become, amassing an impressive 141,450 acres in total. That would make Orlando almost the same size as the city of Chicago! 

If acquired, the center of Orlando would shift dramatically towards the east and the city of Orlando would gain some of Central Florida’s most conserved wildlife habitats and water resources, including sections of St. John’s and Econlockhatchee river. 

What is Annexation?

Annexation is the process of incorporating land into a city’s jurisdiction. Orlando is no stranger to annexation, as Orange County recently annexed over 6,000 acres of land in Sunbridge back in April, with plans for the land to be developed by Lake Nona developers into residential units, hotel rooms, and office space.

But in this special case, development might not be the goal in mind.

According to Farmland Reserve President Doug Rose, the ranch has had an amicable relationship with Orange County for many years now, but progress has become slow due to an outdated legislature. So they seek to have the city take it over in hopes that the annexation will make for faster and smoother growth.

“We are a caring, responsible landowner who works sustainably and gives back to our communities. We see planning as investing in a healthy, prosperous future for Central Florida. Putting this Deseret Ranch property under a single municipal government will avoid the piecemeal planning of the past.”

- Doug Rose, President of Farmland Reserve

With conservation prioritized first, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer stated that should the city annex the land, the city would insist that no development would happen on the land until at least 2040.

drone shot of citrus grove on deseret ranch

Deseret Ranch Citrus Grove - Credit: Deseret Ranch

What’s Next?

Mayor Dyer has expressed how Orlando has seen wild growth in recent years and that the land could be instrumental in providing space in the future once enough conservation efforts have been made. But environmental activists worry about the wellbeing of the marshlands and the wildlife, while other city officials are concerned about how the new land could stress the city’s already overburdened infrastructure.

While environmental concerns and infrastructure challenges are valid, the potential expansion could open up incredible opportunities for Orlando's future. By properly balancing growth with conservation efforts, the city could meet increasing demands for space while preserving its natural beauty. This land acquisition, if handled thoughtfully, may allow Orlando to grow sustainably, maintaining its appeal as a thriving urban center while making room for both development and nature to coexist - something the city is determined to maintain.

“Currently, the land is designated for agricultural use, and city planners will work with the landowners to develop a multiyear growth strategy that includes environmental protections for wetlands and wildlife.”

- City of Orlando, statement on 10/21,24

As the final vote approaches, residents and officials will weigh these possibilities, paving the way for Orlando’s future.


Overall

Orlando’s potential annexation of Deseret Ranch could expand the city by over 60%, adding 52,450 acres of environmentally significant land. This growth would increase Orlando’s size to 141,450 acres, nearly the size of Chicago. While environmentalists express concerns over wildlife and infrastructure, many see this as an opportunity for sustainable growth. With conservation efforts prioritized, development would be postponed until at least 2040, allowing the city to responsibly balance expansion with environmental protection. The final vote at the beginning of November on the proposal will determine the direction of Orlando’s future.

What do you think about this possible annexation?

 

Header Credit: Deseret Ranch

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