Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the outcome of the vote and has been updated.

TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County commissioners ended a two-and-half year dilemma Tuesday as they approved a motion that denied a zoning change for the closed Pebble Creek Golf Course.

Plans were for the golf course, which was closed in July 2021, to be redeveloped. 

The vote was 5-2.

The GL Homes development team plan included 250 new single-family homes, upgrades to the neighborhoods lake system, walking paths and entrances, as well as the addition of five new parks.

The facility closed after owner Bill Place said the course was no longer financially viable.

When plans to close the course were announced, a majority of homeowners pushed back on Place’s move to sell to a property developer with plans to build homes on the old course.

Michael Jacobson, who was HOA president at the time, said homeowners accused Place of simply wanting to turn a profit. But a close inspection by the HOA, Jacobson said, revealed the course was no longer making money.

“Unfortunately what we found is the golf course was not profitable, it was not sustainable and it would never stay a golf course,” he said.

Some homeowners were still fighting against development, arguing new homes will add traffic and noise in the neighborhood and negatively impact wildlife.

But over time, the majority of residents came on board as the property continued to fall further into disrepair, Jacobson said.