Wakulla’s 2024 Land Grab: Developers Projects Surge, BOCC Backs Growth, Residents Feel the Squeeze

This report is built on public records—Wakulla County plat approvals, BOCC minutes, mortgage records, and prior reporting. Check the sources on our Media Fire drive to see the data for yourself. Dive in, verify, and watch how Wakulla’s civic processes are reshaping the community.

Introduction: Wakulla’s Landscape Transformed

Since 2020, Wakulla County has undergone a dramatic transformation as developers carve up rural land at an alarming rate. The scale of this land grab is staggering: 1,300 lots have been approved across 30 subdivisions in just five years. In 2024 alone, the county saw its most aggressive year yet, with 375 lots greenlit—the highest annual total in this period. Keep in mind: large parcels don't carve themselves up. Someone has to sell the large tract, then someone has to apply to divide it up, then they have to go before the planning commission, then it has to be approved by the board. Has the county been following it's own policies? Today's BOCC meeting may shed some insight into that question - tune in!

The consequences are evident. In 2022, the sewer system buckled, processing 180,000 gallons per day against a 100,000-gallon capacity, as confirmed by WFSU News on the 2022 moratorium. By 2023, 120 lots were approved, including Shadeville’s Wesley Park Phase 1 (107 lots), per Wakulla County Planning Dept records. In 2024, the BOCC’s voting record shows their pro-growth stance: out of 37 Planning and Zoning (P&Z) items, 35 passed, with Thomas and Messersmith voting “yes” on nearly all, as documented in BOCC minutes from wakullacounty.org. Thomas also played a role in facilitating development financing through his work as a mortgage loan officer, supporting the growth he voted for, per Wakulla County Clerk mortgage records. Residents are now grappling with clogged roads, environmental risks, and strained infrastructure, watching Wakulla’s rural charm fade as growth marches on unchecked.

The Scale of the 2024 Land Grab

2024’s New Lots: A Record Year

In 2024, Wakulla County approved 375 lots across 6 subdivisions, marking the peak of development in this five-year span, according to Wakulla County Planning Dept plat approvals. These projects, led by developers like Parrish, Pafford, and 68V, have reshaped the county’s landscape with little regard for its rural roots. Here’s the breakdown:

• Wesley Park Subdivision Phase 2 (Shadeville of Wakulla County LLC): 109 lots, approved 5/20/2024. Zoned LDR in a Suburban Transitioning area, with 0.2-acre minimum lot sizes for residential use, located at Wakulla Arran Rd & Cajer Posey Road.

• Commercial Corner at Opportunity Park (N G Wade Investment Company): 37 lots, approved 3/18/2024. Zoned PUD in an Industrial area, with 4.43-acre minimum lot sizes for industrial use, located at Commerce Blvd and Wade Drive.

• The Hammocks Phase IV (BCB FLP 1 LLC): 8 lots, approved 5/20/2024. Zoned PUD in Urban Fringe, with 0.31-acre minimum lot sizes for residential use, adjacent to Songbird Ave.

• Hamptons 2 Subdivision (Humphries Real Estate Development LLC): 99 lots, approved 6/17/2024. Zoned PUD in Urban Core, with 0.03-acre minimum lot sizes for residential use, on Cajer Posey Road, with 39.9% open space.

• Greystone (Pafford Properties & Construction LLC): 44 lots, approved 11/19/2024. Zoned PUD in Rural 3, with 0.612-acre minimum lot sizes for residential use, on the west side of Hwy 319 abutting Edgewood Subdivision, with 20% open space.

• Misting Springs Phase 1 (68V Misting Springs Fl 2023 LLC): 78 lots, approved 9/16/2024. Zoned PUD in Urban Core, with 0.04-acre minimum lot sizes for residential use, on Crawfordville Hwy, with 34.5% open space.

Lot Approvals Over Time: A Five-Year Surge

The growth has been relentless since 2020, with each year adding to the transformation of Wakulla County, per Wakulla County Planning Dept records. Here’s how the lot approvals stack up:

• 2020: 334 lots across 6 subdivisions, including Chadwick Estates Phases 1–2 (204 lots) and Palmetto Subdivision (80 lots).

• 2021: 286 lots across 7 subdivisions, such as Palmetto Phase 2 (66 lots) and Spears Crossing (69 lots).

• 2022: 185 lots across 6 subdivisions, including Wesley Park Phase 1 (107 lots) and Summerfield Phase 2 (64 lots).

• 2023: 120 lots across 4 subdivisions, like Meadows at Rehwinkel (57 lots) and The Hammocks Phase III (47 lots).

• 2024: 375 lots across 6 subdivisions (listed above).

• Total: 1,300 lots across 30 subdivisions—a massive shift in just five years.

Parrish’s Expanding Footprint

Parrish has been a driving force behind this land grab, with his projects accounting for a staggering 509 lots—a significant share of the new development. Since 2020, Parrish has been tied to multiple subdivisions, turning rural areas into dense residential neighborhoods, per Wakulla County Planning Dept records. His influence is clear:

• Chadwick Estates: 204 lots in 2020.

• Palmetto: 146 lots across 2020–2021.

• Summerfield: 112 lots across 2021–2022.

• Wesley Park: 216 lots across Phases 1–2 (2022–2024).

Parrish’s connection to Songbird, which includes The Hammocks (82 lots across Phases II–IV, 2021–2024), further amplifies his impact on the county’s growth. His developments often target suburban and rural areas, adding strain to infrastructure that’s already struggling to keep up. Parrish alone accounts for 39.2% of the 1,300 lots approved since 2020, and when combined with other major developers like Pafford (119 lots, 9.2%), 68V (78 lots, 6%), and Humphries (99 lots, 7.6%), these key players represent nearly 80% of the total development in this period—an alarming concentration of influence.

The BOCC’s Role in Driving Growth

2024 Voting Record: A Pro-Growth Agenda

In 2024, the BOCC showed a clear commitment to development, voting on 37 P&Z items across 11 meetings and approving 35 of them. These votes directly facilitated the 375 lots approved that year, including major projects like Wesley Park Phase 2, Greystone, and Misting Springs Phase 1. Commissioners Thomas and Messersmith were key players in this pro-growth agenda, consistently supporting projects that have transformed Wakulla.

Commissioner Ralph Thomas: A Growth Focused Commissioner

Commissioner Ralph Thomas has been a central figure in Wakulla’s development boom through his voting record. He voted “yes” on 35 of 36 P&Z items in 2024, with his only “no” vote on 6/17/2024, when he opposed a variance denial for an accessory structure in Panacea (VAR24-07). He moved or seconded 17 approvals, playing a pivotal role in pushing through major projects:

• Wesley Park Phase 2 (109 lots, 5/20/2024): Seconded the approval, ensuring Parrish’s project moved forward.

• The Hammocks Phase IV (8 lots, 5/20/2024): Seconded, supporting Songbird-related growth.

• Misting Springs Phase 1 (78 lots, 9/16/2024): Seconded, backing a major residential project.

• Greystone (44 lots, 11/19/2024): Moved to approve, aiding Pafford’s latest subdivision.

• Zoning Changes: Moved or seconded changes like R24-03 (Tidewater Investments, 3/18/2024) and R24-13 (Tidewater Investments of Wakulla, 11/19/2024), enabling denser development.

Thomas also works as a mortgage loan officer. While we’ll explore the details of his activities later, his role in both voting and financing underscores his active involvement in Wakulla’s growth. His consistent growth encouraging votes—60 of 62 in 2022, 35 of 35 in 2023—have been instrumental in the approval of the 1,300 lots since 2020.

Commissioner Quincee Messersmith: A Pro-Growth Advocate

Commissioner Quincee Messersmith has also been a steadfast supporter of development. She voted “yes” on all 37 P&Z items in 2024, showing unwavering commitment to growth. She moved or seconded 5 approvals, including Greystone (44 lots, 11/19/2024), a zoning change for Golden Construction Company (R24-15, 11/19/2024), and a site plan for a project on Council Moore Road (SP24-10, 11/19/2024). Her voting patterns mirror her past—60 of 62 “yes” votes in 2022, 33 of 35 in 2023—pushing forward projects like Parrish’s Wesley Park Phase 2, Pafford’s Greystone, and 68V’s Misting Springs. Her ties to the Economic Development Council, possibly influenced by her husband’s lobbying, further align with her growth-focused stance.

Other Commissioners’ Roles

The rest of the BOCC largely followed suit, though some showed more hesitation. Commissioner Nichols voted “yes” on 35 of 36 items, abstaining once on 7/15/2024 (R24-09) due to a voting conflict, and moved approvals like Misting Springs Phase 1 (78 lots, 9/16/2024). Commissioner Kemp voted “yes” on 35 of 37 items, seconding motions like The Hammocks Phase IV (8 lots, 5/20/2024). Commissioner Hess was the outlier, voting “no” on 6 items, including Hamptons 2 (99 lots, 6/17/2024) and Misting Springs (78 lots, 9/16/2024), citing infrastructure concerns. Despite Hess’s reservations, the BOCC’s pro-growth majority ensured projects moved forward with little resistance.

A Pattern of Disregard: Bending Rezoning Policies

The BOCC’s approach to development isn’t just about approving lots—it’s also about how they handle the processes leading up to those approvals. Concerns have been mounting that the county isn’t following its own policies, particularly when it comes to rezoning applications. At the upcoming BOCC meeting on May 19, 2025, a concerned resident plans to speak out about a rezoning application (R25-02) for a 3.61-acre parcel on Shadeville Road, pointing out discrepancies that undermine the county’s stated commitment to transparency and fairness in land use decisions.

The resident’s statement, submitted in opposition to the rezoning from RR-1 (Semi-Rural Residential) to LDR (Low Density Residential), directly argues that the application fails to meet the county’s own standards, stating:

The proposed rezoning is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and the as stated by the applicant the Crawfordville Town Plan… The intent of the LDR district is to promote lower density residential development adjacent to or near high density residential areas within the Crawfordville Area District. There is no evidence that the adjacent to or near high density residential areas are by the proposed rezoning parcel. In fact, there is no high density residential within 500 feet of the proposed rezoning… The applicant has provided no justification for the change… The application is tantamount to spot zoning and would result in a violation of the adjoining parcels’ constitutional rights and protections and the due process rights afforded to all U.S. citizens… It is unconscionable that this application has made it to Planning and Zoning and to the Members of the Board as it fails to demonstrate how the rezoning request aligns with the municipality’s comprehensive plan and why the existing zoning is no longer appropriate.

The resident also directly addresses procedural failures, noting that the Technical Review Committee (TRC) on April 10, 2025, failed to properly vet the application:

The application is blatantly deficient; it should have been flagged immediately and not advanced… The application has not been made in triplicate… The applicant’s legal description… is incomplete/incorrect… The applicant failed to provide a copy of the purchase contract and written consent of the seller/owner… There is no attached legal description for all property within 500 feet of the subject… Most concerning, the applicant has not stated a need and justification… The applicant’s reason for application was listed as ‘rezone’… ‘Rezone’ is not a statement of the special reasons that the rezoning request is needed and justified.

Additionally, the resident’s statement, as summarized here, emphasizes broader community concerns, including the environmental risks of overdevelopment in a coastal community with underground springs, the economic pressures driving teachers out of the county due to rising costs, and a growing loss of faith in elected officials. She highlights the community’s opposition, noting that 25 out of 26 households she surveyed opposed the rezoning, and argues that the application’s deficiencies amount to a due process violation, leaving residents unable to fully respond to the applicant’s intentions.

Her testimony, as summarized, also warns of the potential for “catastrophic devastation” if rural areas are not preserved to mitigate hurricane and flood risks, and proposing the county would be enabling spot zoning that benefits developers at the expense of the broader community. She points to a lack of due diligence by both the applicant and county officials, noting that the application fails to address prior covenants, restrictions, or environmental concerns.

This testimony underscores a broader pattern of behavior that has fueled distrust among residents. The county’s own Comprehensive Plan, which the Planning and Zoning Division is tasked with implementing, emphasizes preserving natural resources and ensuring high-quality growth. Yet, the rapid pace of approvals and the apparent willingness to overlook procedural safeguards suggest that development interests are being prioritized over community needs. This isn’t a new concern—residents have long voiced frustration over the county’s handling of growth, from the 2023 springs protection ordinance debacle to the quick-turnaround rezoning applications that seem to bypass thorough public scrutiny. The resident’s statement also echoes concerns raised in 2024, when Commissioner Hess voted “no” on projects like Hamptons 2 and Misting Springs, citing infrastructure strain, only to be outvoted by the pro-growth majority.

Jerry Moore’s Lingering Influence

Jerry Moore, a former commissioner, remains tied to Wakulla’s growth. In 2014, he supported improvements at Crawfordville Hwy and Wakulla Arran Rd, which later benefited his land holdings, raising questions about his influence. In 2020, as he left office, he was linked to property transactions that sparked conflict-of-interest concerns. In 2024, Jerry Moore Florida Operations appeared in records, likely supplying land for subdivisions, continuing his decades-long connection to the county’s development. Moore’s presence underscores how past leadership decisions continue to shape Wakulla’s trajectory.

The Fallout: How Residents Are Affected

The 1,300 lots approved since 2020, capped by 2024’s 375, have fundamentally altered Wakulla County, straining infrastructure and the environment. Residents are bearing the brunt of this unchecked growth, with their daily lives increasingly disrupted.

Traffic Congestion

The influx of new subdivisions has turned Wakulla’s roads into gridlock zones. Pre-2024 growth added 8,598–8,863 vehicles by 2022 (2.5 per home, U.S. Census), and the 1,300 lots approved since 2020 have made things worse. Key areas are feeling the impact:

• Crawfordville Hwy: Misting Springs (78 lots) has added to the congestion, making commutes a nightmare.

• Wakulla Arran Rd: Wesley Park Phase 2 (109 lots) has worsened traffic, frustrating locals.

Residents report longer commutes, more accidents, and a loss of the quiet, rural lifestyle—especially for those who value open spaces for activities like horseback riding.

Subdivisions and Septic/Sewer Thoughts:

Wakulla Springs, a natural treasure, is under threat from the increased septic system use driven by this development boom:

• Septic System Concerns: Subdivisions like Wesley Park, Misting Springs, and Greystone are likely using septic systems, as evidenced by the county’s ongoing septic permitting policies (BOCC votes on CP24-05, 4/22/2024 and 6/17/2024) and limited sewer access.

  Specific Subdivisions and Septic Use: While the plat approvals and voting records don’t explicitly state that these subdivisions are using septic systems, their use can be inferred based on their locations and the county’s infrastructure reality:

  • Wesley Park Phase 2 (109 lots, approved 5/20/2024): Located at Wakulla Arran Rd & Cajer Posey Road, this area is outside Crawfordville’s central sewer service zone (concentrated along Hwy 319). Given the 2022 sewer moratorium and limited sewer expansions, suburban areas like this typically rely on septic systems.

  • Misting Springs Phase 1 (78 lots, approved 9/16/2024): Situated on Crawfordville Hwy in the Urban Core, sewer access might be feasible. However, Greystone’s 11/19/2024 approval included a Sewer Lift Station Easement, suggesting sewer infrastructure is still developing. Without specific sewer connection details in the voting record, and given the county’s reliance on septic systems (per CP24-05), septic use is likely, at least partially.

  • Greystone (44 lots, approved 11/19/2024): Located on the west side of Hwy 319 abutting Edgewood Subdivision, Greystone’s approval included a Sewer Lift Station Easement, indicating a sewer connection. But the easement suggests sewer infrastructure is being extended, implying nearby subdivisions may still use septic systems. Rural 3 zoning and historical septic use in such areas support septic systems, especially in early construction phases.

Deep Impact

For some, the impact is deeply personal. Many have received letters from developers like D.R. Horton to sell their land, facing pressure to give up their rural lifestyle. Community meetings are filled with voices demanding better infrastructure planning, but many feel their concerns are being ignored as the county races to approve more lots—a sentiment that will be echoed in the upcoming May 19, 2025, meeting where residents are pushing back against rezoning practices.

Why This Matters: A County Transformed

The BOCC’s actions have fundamentally changed Wakulla County, often prioritizing development over community needs. Thomas and Messersmith’s pro-growth votes—35 and 37 “yes” votes in 2024, respectively—echo their reliance on outside consultants over local voices, a recurring issue in Wakulla’s leadership. Thomas’s additional role in facilitating financing further amplifies his influence. Parrish’s staggering 509 lots across Chadwick, Palmetto, Summerfield, and Wesley Park, plus his ties to Songbird (The Hammocks, 82 lots), make him a central figure in this growth, accounting for 39.2% of the 1,300 total lots approved since 2020. Other developers like Pafford (119 lots since 2021, 9.2%), 68V (78 lots in 2024, 6%), and Humphries (99 lots in 2024, 7.6%) are capitalizing on the BOCC’s stance, with these four major players alone responsible for nearly 80% of the development—a wild concentration of influence. The 2022 sewer crisis was a warning; 2024’s 375 lots show no slowdown, leaving residents with traffic jams, threatened springs, and crumbling infrastructure as Wakulla’s rural charm fades.

What’s Next for Wakulla?

The 2024 land grab—375 new lots, bringing the total to 1,300 since 2020—has changed Wakulla County for good. Parrish’s projects, backed by Thomas and Messersmith, signal more development ahead. The BOCC’s voting record (35 of 37 P&Z items approved) suggests this trend will continue into 2025, with more plats and zoning debates on the horizon—starting with the contentious rezoning application set for discussion on May 19, 2025.

Residents are fighting back, organizing to demand better infrastructure planning and calling for impact studies on roads, water, and sewer systems. Sadly, the impact fees will likely be passed to the end purchaser and the developers won't miss a beat. The upcoming BOCC meeting will be a critical moment, as residents voice their opposition to rezoning practices that they see as undermining their rights and the county’s future. Some families are taking steps to protect their land, purchasing additional acres to create buffers against developers like D.R. Horton. Will the BOCC start prioritizing residents, or keep rolling out the red carpet for developers? Check our Media Fire drive for all records—plat approvals, BOCC minutes, mortgage data, and more. Wakulla is your home—don’t let it slip away without a fight.

Author’s Note

All records are on our Media Fire drive—see for yourself! We’re focused on public processes and development shaping your community, not personal lives. This is our commitment, and we’ll keep digging to bring you the facts.

Sources

• Wakulla County Planning Dept: Plat approvals (2020–2024).

• BOCC Minutes: wakullacounty.org (2020–2024 meetings).

• Wakulla County Clerk: Mortgage records (2024).

• WFSU News: 2022 moratorium.

• BOCC Agenda and Public Comment: May 19, 2025, meeting materials (R25-02 rezoning application).

Here’s the full tally of lots approved over the past five years:

• 2020: 334 lots (Chadwick Estates Phases 1–2, Cutchin Town Center, Timber Ridge, Palmetto Subdivision, Greyes Place Phase 1).

• 2021: 286 lots (Hidden Forest, Fox Meadows, Preserve at Wakulla Station, The Hammocks Phase II, Palmetto Phase 2, Spears Crossing, Summerfield Phase 1).

• 2022: 185 lots (Summerfield Phase 2, Macy Lee Acres, Greyes Place Phase 2, Wesley Park Phase 1, Wakulla Square, The Retreat).

• 2023: 120 lots (Meadows at Rehwinkel, The Hammocks Phase III, Canopy Ridge, Gillespie Corner).

• 2024: 375 lots (Commercial Corner, Wesley Park Phase 2, The Hammocks Phase IV, Hamptons 2, Greystone, Misting Springs Phase 1).

• Total: 1,300 lots across 30 subdivisions.