The Alachua County Commission voted unanimously to approve the temporary use permit for WildFlowers Music Park in Melrose on Tuesday night. The decision followed hours of presentations and comments from the public.
Words were spoken in hushed tones, benches were packed with people and there was a visible divide in the Jack Durrance Auditorium as attendees awaited a decision that could alter life in their rural town.
WildFlowers Music Park , a proposed park in Melrose, sought approval to host music festivals throughout the year, with the first event planned for March 13-15. The permit and park started debate among residents, some of whom raised concerns about traffic congestion, environmental issues and noise in the small community…