The future of "The Grow," an east Orange County development, is in jeopardy after a judge said the project isn't consistent with rural development patterns in the area, and the Orange County Commission on Tuesday took up Lake Pickett South discussions at its regular meeting. 

The talks briefly hot heated between Commission Emily Bonilla and Mayor Teresa Jacobs.

  • Future of 'The Grow' in east Orange County in jeopardy
  • Judge said development goes against development patterns
  • Decision turned over to Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet

"I hope that the (County Commission) will support and solidify the judge's order," Bonilla said at an early morning news conference. "It is now in their hands."

According to the county attorney, however, the decision was in fact not: Bonilla requested the board rescind its votes out of order. She wasn't on the board at the time of the project's passing.

Now, the decision if the Lake Pickett South project — dubbed The Grow — can proceed is in the hands of Gov. Rick Scott and his cabinet.

An Aug. 11 recommendation from a judge that the project isn't consistent with the rural development patterns in east Orange County renewed the fight for people who live in the area.

One by one, people in east Orange County stood at the podium, reiterating a familiar sentiment: the mega development in their backyard would ruin their rural way of life.

The Grow will bring thousands of homes, a working farm, bike paths and a farmer's market to the area.

Tom Narut was one of those who signed up to speak, hoping to sway commissioners to rescind their approval of the project.

"I wanted to reach out today and again ask for your help in assistant citizens of District 5 community," he said. "We thank you in advance for your actions in carrying forth the judge's recommendations."

But on Tuesday, commissioners — and the county attorney — were unclear what the judge's recommendation could mean in terms of action. The confusion led to some tense moments between Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Bonilla.

"When I finish speaking, I'll turn the floor over to you," Jacobs said.

"I thought we were finished," Bonilla said.

"I'm still taking," Jacobs replied.

Scott and the cabinet now have the judge's recommendations and have about 90 days to receive exceptions from petitioners and to make a decision.

The Grow developer hopes that it remains in his favor — and that the process helps his project.

"We have put a lot into it," Dwight Saathoff said. "It's a fantastic idea. I think it would truly be an iconic project for Central Florida. It's not about the number of people that show up and red shirts. It's about law and rules and process."