From Staff Reports
Should the City of Apopka assist Rock Springs Ridge or Errol Estate in its attempts to purchase the golf course lands in their neighborhoods?
The question was debated in local social media on the Apopka Critic's Facebook page earlier this week, which has over 15,000 followers. The post received 45 likes, 78 comments, and two shares.
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The Critic posted the following statement:
"Breaking News. Here we go again. The Apopka Critic has learned that there have been talks between the HOA Board for Rock Springs Ridge and Mayor Bryan Nelson concerning a possible taxpayer-funded bond of $7 million to purchase the defunct golf course from Della Russo. RSR Board member Simon (McKenna) told attendees at the HOA meeting that he had a meeting with Nelson and said Nelson was on board with the plan. A few months ago, the Errol Estate group that owns that golf course also wanted the City to bail them out. What’s your thought as a taxpayer?"
The Apopka Voice confirmed with three people who attended the meeting that McKenna made the statement.
The Apopka Voice also texted Nelson and asked him several questions about his meetings with the HOA board:
- Did you meet with the RSR board? If so, when?
- Are you in support of the city purchasing the golf course lands and then bonding them back to RSR or assessing a tax on RSR homeowners to pay back the $7.5 million?
- Are you in support of any scenario that involves the City assisting RSR with purchasing its golf course lands?
- Would you collect the $2.5 million (approximately) in fines the Golf Group owes?
- Would you make the same deal with Errol and pay their asking price?
Nelson responded to the first question:
"I did meet with Simon about RSR," he said. "I also met with the Golf Group partners."
In his post, the Apopka Critic was skeptical of the potential action.
"Here’s the problem. The recent Emerson Park roadway loan that the city took on is stretching the city's credit rating and making it hard to get other bonds or loans. The city Finance Director clarified that at the city budget workshop last night. With the need for a possible bond for Public Works infrastructure and the new public safety building, more debt taken on with golf course purchases may be a factor. If the nearly two hundred people who showed up for the HOA meeting showed up to budget workshops, they would understand the financial crisis this city is facing. This bond request program should be for emergency needs and critical infrastructure. Golf courses are neither. With our City reserves being used to balance the budgets each year, we will be in trouble if a significant event happens in our city. This is nothing but a pander for votes at election time. Eight years of mismanagement, lies, and no transparency should not be bought off with a golf course deal."
Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, who is running against Nelson in the 2026 Apopka Mayoral election, also commented on the post.
"No discussion of this issue in the 2025/26 budget. I hope a commissioner brings it up tonight because I’m concerned."
Commissioner and Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez also commented on the post about the potential deal.
"It is concerning to learn that during the RSR HOA Board Members & a resident would make negative comments re: 2 Commissioners (one living in RSR & one who used to live in RSR) deflecting blame onto them. 99% of the RSR homeowners are not on board to take on the Defunct Golf course. I was more surprised to learn that HOA Board Member Mr. Simon shared & announced at the HOA meeting that he had met with Mayor Nelson and, on his behalf, told the residents in attendance that the Mayor was in agreement with the proposal to help with the bond issue for $7.5 million. The Mayor cannot make private deals without going through proper channels, especially in exchange for Votes. I understand a board member told the RSR residents in attendance at the HOA that Rock Springs Ridge has a large Voting Block and they have the power to get it done. I could not attend the RSR HOA meeting because I attended the City of Apopka's second Budget Workshop. The budget workshops affect ALL the services, infrastructure, utilities, wastewater, garbage, and so much more for the entire City of Apopka (63,000 residents), as your Elected Official, who lives in RSR on the golf course and cares deeply for our neighborhood. This matter with the Defunct golf course should be a private matter between RSR HOA & ALL the Homeowners of RSR & the Golf Group. I respectfully ask that you do not speak on my behalf, as an RSR homeowner, or suggest my actions as an elected official, since this subject has not been introduced or publicly discussed at the City Council level."
Errol Estate is also making moves
On May 31st, 5th Hole Investments, owners of the Errol Estate Golf Course lands, made its property available in a statement sent to The Apopka Voice:
"After years of stalled plans and mounting frustration, Errol Estate Golf Course owners have put the ball squarely in the City of Apopka’s court. 5th Hole Investments, the owners of the Errol golf course lands, have formally proposed selling the 380-acre property to the City of Apopka for $6.3 million. This proposal, detailed in a letter dated May 31st, also includes a settlement offer to resolve outstanding utility liens for $150,000."
A history of failed attempts
This is not Nelson's first attempt to assist RSR in purchasing the golf course lands.
"Subject: RE: Rock Springs Ridge Golf Course Purchase Proposal
"I would like to get everyone together tomorrow at 5:30 AT City Hall to give you the specifics of the “deal” between the Golf Group and the HOA. I just want to make sure everyone has the facts as they stand today. If you would like to invite one additional person that would be fine but I don’t want a huge crowd, it will make it unwieldy."
The next day, approximately four hours from the scheduled time, Nelson cancelled the meeting.
In the email, he stated:
"In light of the fact that the Rock Springs Ridge HOA plans to have a community meeting next week or so to discuss the proposal brought forward by the Golf Group, I am canceling today’s meeting. There is no need to duplicate meetings. Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to the HOA’s meeting to discuss this matter in detail. BN"
What’s Next
The Apopka City Council has not formally discussed or voted on any proposal to assist RSR. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16th at 7 p.m.
This is a developing story, and The Apopka Voice will continue to report on new developments.
