CITRUS COUNTY, Fla — A debate over turning waterfront property on Florida’s Nature Coast into a “glamping” resort is underway in Citrus County, with one side saying it would be great for tourism and the other side worried the potential impact on a pristine salt marsh would be irreversible.

​Ozello is a small fishing community located in the middle of salt marsh flats. Mary Whitehead moved to the area from busy Fort Lauderdale 30 years ago for the peaceful living.

“I stand up there in the morning with my coffee and look to see is there a dolphin, a manatee. Sometimes we see an otter,” Whitehead said of the view from her deck.

But that view could be changing, with an RV campground, to include upscale camping known as “glamping,” proposed for right across the canal. It’s a project residents like Whitehead have been speaking out against. 

“The vehicles are going to be coming in and out of here. The wetlands are that close. The water is right here,” Whitehead said, as she described the influx of tourists it could bring.

For the glampground to come to fruition, Citrus County commissioners would have to approve a change to the site’s current zoning and also land use designation. Already, the county’s Planning and Development Commission recommended to deny the request.

But the project does have the support of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce President Josh Wooten, who points out the county’s push to promote ecotourism in the area. 

“The people that want to commune with nature, they’re a different kind of a tourist,” Wooten said. “They ordinarily spend more money and they’re cognizant that this a sensitive area and treat it as such.”

Wooten said the campground would be a great fit for the area and provide much needed lodging for the area.

Still, residents like Whitehead question what the long term environmental impacts would be. 

“I mean the unintended consequences of something like this, they go on forever,” Whitehead said. “You can’t undo this once it’s done.”

In a statement, property owner Jen Magradze expressed her desire to showcase the area’s beauty, while teaching visitors to be respectful.

“The goal of Fishcreek Glampround is to showcase the natural beauty of Florida and to educate tourists on the unique ecosystem of Crystal River all while preserving our land & waterways,” Magradze stated. “When the appropriate time comes, we will consult with all applicable regulatory agencies regarding the environmental impact. We just aren't at that point in the process yet. Overall impact to the property is going to be minimal as the proposed buildout is to renew and replace the existing infrastructure.”

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners plan to discuss the proposed project on April 25.