Strawberry fields in Lithia just took a big step toward becoming a brand-new neighborhood.
On Thursday night, Hillsborough County commissioners advanced a controversial proposal that would turn roughly 121 acres of strawberry fields into a subdivision with more than 100 homes. The move clears the first of several regulatory hurdles and sends the plan into a state review process before commissioners take a final vote. Neighbors who packed the Frederick B. Karl County Center warned that more traffic, light pollution and demand on local services would fundamentally change the rural feel of the area.
The board voted 7-0 to transmit the large-scale comprehensive-plan amendment to state reviewers in Tallahassee. If it clears that step, the proposal is expected to return to Hillsborough County for a final vote in April, according to FOX 13 News. County staff emphasized that the move follows the typical comprehensive-plan amendment timeline and opens a formal window for agency review and public comment…