Melrose residents to protest Wildflowers Music Park on January 8
Press release from Connecting Melrose
MELROSE, Fla. – On January 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., residents from Melrose and surrounding counties will gather for a peaceful protest at Melrose Community Park (201 SR 26, Melrose) to oppose the Wildflowers Music Park proposal and its Temporary Use Permit (TUP) request with Alachua County.
Community members argue the project — which includes large festivals, camping, and commercial activities — is incompatible with rural agricultural zoning, risks traffic and safety issues, and threatens the area’s environment and groundwater. A petition opposing the project has gathered almost 1,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern.
“This isn’t anti-growth — it’s about protecting a rural community and keeping development consistent with zoning and the Comprehensive Plan,” said Pegi Bonner, organizer with Connecting Melrose.
“We support smart development, not loopholes that turn agricultural land into a commercial venue by temporary permit,” said Sandra Gottschalk, organizer with ConnectingMelrose.com.
Residents plan to continue speaking with County officials ahead of the January 27 Alachua County Commission meeting, where the TUP will be reviewed.
Sad thing is, Residents can protest All they want, with Mr NO MASK HUTCHINSON Involved, The COUNTY COMMIES have already made their decision!😢😩
FrenchFry is correct. There’s little to no chance that group of commissioners is going against one of their own. They may give it some lip service but I would be shocked if it didn’t pass.
Melrose already has a park with stage in the historic district on SR-26 with plenty of parking in town. Why can’t musicians play there? It’d help local businesses too.
SR 26 was recently repaved from Orange Heights to Melrose. Gee, I wonder why – because it did not need repaving! It was in great shape. Someone is literally greasing the wheels for this.
Follow the money. I bet it’s funded by marijuana users and dealers.
Connecting Melrose? Could be.
They should have added a right turn lane at 26 & 219a. It’s a 4 way intersection that doesn’t even line up correctly.
The “agricultural” status requires “production” which is impossible on land used as a “music park”. Taxation as commercial property with revocation of the Right to Farm Act (s. 823.14 .>S.) entitlements is in order.
Seems odd to be selling tickets and booking bands for a festival when they don’t even have any permits yet.
823.14 Florida Right to Farm Act.—
(2) The Legislature finds that agricultural production is a major contributor to the economy of the state; that agricultural lands constitute unique and irreplaceable resources of statewide importance;
(3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section:
(a) “Agritourism activity” has the same meaning as provided in s. 570.86.
(c) “Farm” means the land, buildings, support facilities, machinery, and other appurtenances used in the production of farm or aquaculture products.
(d) “Farm operation” means all conditions or activities by the owner, lessee, agent, independent contractor, or supplier which occur on a farm in connection with the production of farm, honeybee, or apiculture products or in connection with complementary agritourism activities.
570.86 Definitions.—As used in ss. 570.85-570.89, the term:
(1) “Agritourism activity” means any agricultural related activity consistent with a bona fide farm, livestock operation, or ranch or in a working forest.
It is a done deal. It will pass!
This is misinformation, it’s not being made into a commercial venue. It’s a community park funded by a small nonprofit. With plans for equestrian trails and propagation of native wildflowers & grasses, among other agricultural activities. There’s one planned annual festival of music & dance which includes healing arts and kids & teens activities. This group is also saving all of the ancient live oaks on the property. Wild that people are against the creation of a beautiful park that will be open for the public’s enjoyment of nature and education. All other offers on the 270 acres were from housing developers…I could see fighting that but fighting the creation of a park…wild, just wild.
My land adjoins the park. I can put up with an annual festival fundraiser and smaller events to fund this beautiful park. People will calm down and come to love it is my prediction.
These “protesters” lack comprehension skills. No one is attempting to turn this property into a commercial entertainment venue. This small group of mostly Alachua and Clay county residents purchased these 270 acres and are allowing it to be used by the public as a year-round park. They are restoring the land. They’ve said over and over 180 of the acres are for conservation and education and the other 70-90 acres will be for events and wildflower propagation. One family-oriented festival per year celebrating music, dance, and art – exactly what everyone loves about Melrose. It’s the protesters who are being nasty, hateful and acting like they own the town. The park has been open about their plans and even hosts tours of the property every Saturday morning at 9am. There are many more in favor than those who oppose it. This park is an amazing opportunity for Melrose.