In the heart of Volusia County, a battle is brewing over the future of one of the region’s last untouched natural treasures. The City of Edgewater is poised to decide whether to approve a controversial development proposal that would clear and level the final remaining natural riverfront property within its city limits—a 40-acre sanctuary located at 4401 S. Ridgewood Avenue, nestled between Terra Mar Village and William Street.
This parcel of land is more than just a scenic stretch of riverfront—it is a thriving ecological corridor, a living archive of Florida’s native biodiversity. The site boasts seven historic trees, including one estimated to be over a century old, alongside 453 specimen trees and nearly 1,600 additional trees that form a dense canopy and provide critical habitat. Beneath the surface, over 63 gopher tortoise burrows dot the landscape, signaling the presence of a keystone species whose survival is tightly linked to the health of the ecosystem.
The property also borders a manatee nursery canal, a rare and sensitive aquatic habitat where these gentle giants seek refuge and raise their young. Overhead, bald eagles, ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, and multiple owl species patrol the skies, while scrub jays—listed as a threatened species in Florida—have been recorded nesting in the area. The land teems with life: snakes, lizards, bobcats, raccoons, squirrels, voles, and countless other native species call this place home.
But this vibrant ecosystem may soon be replaced by concrete and rooftops.
Taylor Morrison, a national homebuilder represented by the Cobb Cole Law Firm, has submitted a proposal to rezone the property and transform it into a gated residential community. The plan includes the construction of 135 two-story homes on narrow 50-foot lots, a boat ramp and docks extending into the manatee nursery canal, and the removal of nearly all trees except for a narrow 25-foot buffer around the perimeter. The development would result in 60% to 85% impervious ground coverage—meaning the majority of the land would be paved over, drastically altering drainage patterns and increasing runoff into the river.
Environmental advocates warn that the consequences of such a transformation would be irreversible. The gopher tortoise burrows would be destroyed, and the wildlife that depends on the dense tree canopy and underbrush would be displaced or perish. The historic trees, some of which have stood for generations, would be felled to make way for roads and foundations. The manatee nursery, already vulnerable to human activity, could be further compromised by increased boat traffic and shoreline disruption.
“This is not just about development—it’s about stewardship,” said one local conservationist. “Once this land is gone, it’s gone forever. We have a responsibility to protect what little wild space remains.”
The City Council of Edgewater is expected to vote on the proposal in the coming weeks, and residents from Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, and across Volusia County are being urged to speak out. The decision will not only shape the future of Edgewater’s riverfront but also serve as a litmus test for how the region balances growth with environmental preservation.
Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact their elected officials to express their views. The following city leaders are key decision-makers in this process:
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Mayor Diezel DePew: ddepew@cityofedgewater.org
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District 1 – Councilwoman Charlotte Gillis: cgillis@cityofedgewater.org
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District 2 – Councilman Mike Thomas
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District 3 – Councilwoman Debbie Dolbow: ddolbow@cityofedgewater.org
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District 4 – Councilman Eric Rainbird: erainbird@cityofedgewater.org
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City Manager Joseph Mahoney: citymanager@cityofedgewater.org
As the city stands at a crossroads, the voices of its residents may be the last hope for preserving a piece of Florida’s natural heritage. Whether this land remains a sanctuary for wildlife or becomes another stretch of suburban sprawl depends on the choices made today—and the willingness of the community to defend what cannot be replaced.
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