OKEECHOBEE – Up to eight multi-family residential units are planned on a 1-acre parcel near the entrance to King’s Bay.

At their Oct. 9 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners approved the requested zoning change from Planned Unit Development to Residential General.

Merchant Construction, Inc. is the property owner. The property address is 4555 SE 50th Avenue, at the entrance to King's Bay. The applicant requested to rezone a 1 acre parcel to Residential General (RG) to be able to build 8 multi-family residential units.

The Planning Board, following a public hearing conducted on Sept. 23, 2025, unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners grant the request for a change in zoning from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to Residential General (RG). At the same meeting, the Board of Adjustments and Appeals granted a Special Exception allowing the developer to construct up to 8 multi-family residential units on the property.

Colin Cameron, representing King’s Bay Homeowners Association, said they are concerned about increased traffic flow. There are school bus pickups and drop offs on US 441, he continued.  The parcel has a lot of native wildlife in it, he continued. Residents are concerned about the displacement of wildlife and impacts to drainage.

“The entrance way is a divided entrance way,” said Cameron. Traffic would have to cross over the regular traffic from King’s Bay to get in and out, he said.

Other King’s Bay residents also voiced their concerns about the proposed development.

Commissioner David Hazellief said the developer’s site plans will have to go through other approvals before any construction starts. He said public comments will be welcome at each step.

“I understand the plight of the surrounding residents,” said Commissioner Brad Goodbread. However, he said the property owner has the right to use the property.

“This process has many steps,” he added. “The first is to change the zoning. There’s going to be site plan review. The South Florida Water Management District has to issue a permit.”

He said there are probably 25 steps required before any dirt is turned.

Commissioners also noted they will not allow the developer to put in septic tanks so close to Lake Okeechobee. Planning Director Bill Royce said the developer will be required to put in sewer service.