Proposed USF mixed-use project // Credit: University of South Florida
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In September, the University of South Florida trustees voted to move forward on developing the school’s former golf course, which borders a nature preserve, into a mixed-use development.
Activists are planning to protest against it.
The new first phase of development will include student and multifamily housing, an academic building, retail, green space, and more.
Calista Snider, a local activist and USF biology grad, said the golf course land should stay undeveloped.
“If it’s able to be reclaimed by nature, it’s the perfect buffer zone between the city and the forest preserve,” Snider told WMNF.
The group ‘Save the USF Forest Preserve‘ says the golf course serves as an integral link in the wildlife corridor between Cypress Creek and Hillsborough River conservation lands, and the project would bring traffic to an already busy area.
“Those natural spaces are needed and they’re shrinking more and more with further development,” Snider said.
In 2021, the school attempted to develop the golf course and adjacent forest preserve, but after community pushback, the project didn’t proceed.
In a press release, USF emphasized that this project does not include development on the preserve.
‘Save the USF Forest Preserve‘ plans to protest on Saturday from 11 am-1 pm at the corner of 56th and Fletcher.
