07/31/2026
The NACD is working to gain access to the Diepolder Sink System and to protect them from developers. This process is just beginning as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) the current owners of the Sand Hill Scout Reservation are attempting to sell 604 acres of the property. The court has ruled that BSA is the owner of the property however there are some legal issues resulting from the Will and Estate of Mr Diepolder who left the land to BSA with a alternate option of the property become a park.
There are meaningful new developments, but the 604-acre Sand Hill Scout Reservation / Diepolder rezoning has not yet been placed on a Planning & Zoning Commission or Board of County Commissioners agenda.
New developments (07/29/2026)
A new report published within the last few days confirms that the rezoning application remains under state review and will eventually return to the Hernando County Commission (BOCC) for a vote, but no hearing date has been scheduled yet.
The report also highlights that mailed notices to nearby property owners incorrectly stated the rezoning involved 52 acres. The applicant has acknowledged this was an error—the proposal actually covers approximately 604 acres.
Community opposition has intensified, with the formation of the "Save Sand Hill Scout Reservation" campaign and a public website advocating preservation of the property.
Agenda status
NACD ( Rick Murcar) checked the county's current Planning & Zoning and BOCC listings.
The Sand Hill / Diepolder rezoning is not listed among the currently scheduled Planning & Zoning or BOCC cases.
The most recent Planning & Zoning agenda available schedules other rezoning petitions and notes the next regular Planning & Zoning meeting, but does not include the Sand Hill application.
Purchase agreements and contracts
There are still no publicly available purchase agreements, letters of intent, or executed development contracts for the proposed 604-acre tract.
The recent county notice regarding a July 28 purchase agreement concerns an unrelated parcel in Brooksville Manor, not the Sand Hill property.
Official resources
Hernando County Planning & Zoning (upcoming cases): https://www.hernandocounty.us/building-development/building/planning-and-zoning/
Recent reporting on the rezoning proposal:
I'll continue watching for:
Placement on a Planning & Zoning Commission agenda.
Placement on a BOCC agenda.
Release of the agenda packet and staff report.
Any newly filed purchase agreements, court filings, or substantive changes to the application.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting the public about criminals impersonating city and county officials in phishing emails for planning and zoning permits. Visit the FBI's website at www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260309 for more information.
