A commissioner in Lady Lake has threatened to tie himself to a pair of 200-year-old live oak trees to prevent them from being cut down for the expansion of a thrift shop.
Ye Olde Thrift Shoppe, operated by The Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation, is the subject of a proposed expansion at its location on Lady Lake Boulevard.
A large contingent from the hospital auxiliary attended a special meeting on the proposed project Wednesday evening before the Lady Lake Commission.
The auxiliary supporters did not receive the warm welcome for which they had hoped, with all five commissioners expressing reservations about the expansion.
Commission Paul Hannan was vehemently opposed to the removal of the trees.
“I will do whatever it takes to stop you from removing those trees, even if I have to tie myself to one of them,” Hannan told the auxiliary representatives.
He cited a recent tree removal bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which he said has created “open season” on trees in the Sunshine State.
Hannan had harsh words for legislators, including state Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Lady Lake, who voted for the tree removal legislation.
“Shame on him,” Hannan said.
Commissioner Tony Holden was also concerned about the trees.
“We’re turning a historic area into a flea market,” Holden added.
Other commissioners were uncomfortable with the fact that the project did not adhere to the town’s land development regulations and did not appear to offer proper drainage.
“I understand the sensitivity of the trees. We truly, truly tried to find a way to save them,” said Villager Dick Campbell, president of the foundation.
He said the project has been under review for 16 months and decisions had not been reached lightly.
“If we don’t do anything with this building, it will collapse,” Campbell added.
The commission indicated it could not give its blessing to the project.