Loxahatchee Groves FL 

 

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The term “bona fide agricultural purposes” means good faith commercial agricultural use of the land.

 

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Hello Ai, tell us about the history of Loxahtachee Groves

The history of Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, is rich and spans over a century, closely intertwined with the development of Palm Beach County.

Here’s a brief timeline with key events:

  • Early 1900s: The Southern States Land and Timber Company purchased 2,000,000 acres in 1902, including what is now Loxahatchee Groves. George Frederick Bensel, the sales manager, envisioned a waterfront farming community here after the completion of the West Palm Beach Canal in 1917, which connected Lake Okeechobee to West Palm Beach. Bensel and engineer T.G. Thorgesen created the first topographical map of Loxahatchee Groves over the next three years. The Palm Beach Loxahatchee Company, established by Bensel, Thorgesen, and others, bought 6,500 acres from the Southern States Land and Timber Company, naming the land “Loxahatchee Farms”
  • 1920s-1930s: In 1925, Bensel opened a gas station, grocery store, and post office. The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane caused significant damage, with almost every home in Loxahatchee Groves knocked off its foundations. Thomas Bensel, George’s brother, led a citrus planting project in the 1930s, resulting in about 56,000 new trees. The Palm Beach Loxahatchee Company sold Loxahatchee Groves to Loxahatchee Investments in 1958.
  • 1960s-2000s: After George Bensel’s death in 1961, citrus and tomato production declined. Significant development occurred in nearby Royal Palm Beach and Wellington in the 1980s and 1990s, which some residents of Loxahatchee Groves saw as a threat to their rural lifestyle. This led to a movement for incorporation in 2003, and Loxahatchee Groves became the 38th municipality in Palm Beach County on October 10, 2006. The first election for town council members was held on March 13, 2007​ 
  • Early History: Palm Beach County’s history dates back about 12,000 years with the migration of Native Americans into Florida. Juan Ponce de León was the first European to arrive, landing at Jupiter Inlet in 1513. The Second Seminole War saw the Battles of the Loxahatchee in 1838. The county’s oldest surviving structure, the Jupiter Lighthouse, was completed in 1860​.
  • Late 19th Century: The area saw significant development with the arrival of Henry Flagler in the 1890s. He built the Royal Poinciana Hotel and The Breakers in Palm Beach and extended the Florida East Coast Railway to the area. Communities that later became Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton were established during this period.
  • Early 20th Century: Palm Beach County was established on July 1, 1909, split from Dade County. The 1910s and 1920s were marked by rapid population growth and significant land value increases, especially during the land boom. However, the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane and the onset of the Great Depression ended this prosperity​

Land in Loxahatchee Groves

  • Mid-20th Century and Beyond: World War II brought many people to Palm Beach County for training and war support. A post-war boom followed, with 19 new municipalities incorporated between 1947 and 1963. The county experienced rapid population growth in the 1980s and later underwent urban revitalization efforts in the 1990s and 2000s. The 2004 and 2005 hurricanes caused significant damage in the county​​.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the rich and dynamic history of Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach County, reflecting the area’s growth from indigenous settlements to a bustling, modern region.

  • Incorporation Movement: The movement for incorporating Loxahatchee Groves began in 2003. The residents voted 458–350 in favor of incorporation on October 10, 2006. This decision made Loxahatchee Groves the 38th municipality in Palm Beach County​​.

 

  • First Town Council and Leadership: The first election for the town council members was held on March 13, 2007. The elected council members were Dave Autrey, David Browning, Marge Herzog, Bill Louda, and Dennis Lipp. David Browning was selected as mayor, and Marge Herzog was chosen as vice mayor during the first town council meeting on March 29, 2007​​.

 

  • New Codes and Ordinances: Following its incorporation, Loxahatchee Groves established its own set of regulations and codes to govern the municipality. These include the Town of Loxahatchee Grove’s Code of Ordinances and the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), which are accessible online. These codes are crucial in maintaining the community’s standards and ensuring that development aligns with the town’s vision and residents’ preferences​​.

The incorporation of Loxahatchee Groves as a city and the establishment of its own codes were significant steps towards preserving its rural character and guiding its future development.

Homes & Farms in Loxahatchee Groves

Home Business in Loxahatchee Groves

In Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, the town allows various businesses, including home-based businesses and home offices, to operate within its corporate limits. However, there are certain requirements and regulations that these businesses must adhere to:

 

– **Business Tax Receipt Program**: In 2018, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves implemented a business tax receipt (BTR) program. This program mandates that all businesses, including those based at home or operating as home offices, must apply for and be issued a Town of Loxahatchee Groves BTR Certificate. This is in accordance with Town Ordinance 2017-18【56†source】.

The ordinance and program are designed to ensure that all businesses operating within the town comply with local regulations and contribute to the local economy. For small business owners looking to operate from a home-based business in Loxahatchee Groves, it’s important to adhere to these requirements to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.

Okeechobee Blvd Lot For Sale

Okeechobee Blvd properties and their unclear zoning disparities do not end at a final cession yet, This means no business LG don’t like?  Palm Beach Post 2021

n Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, zoning variances, including those on Okeechobee Boulevard for properties zoned for commercial use next to those zoned for agricultural residential use, are overseen by the town’s Planning & Zoning Board. This board is responsible for hearing and making recommendations to the Town Council on various matters, including:

  • Re-zoning
  • Zoning Ordinance Amendments
  • Site Plans
  • Conditional Uses
  • Special Exceptions Permitted within each Zoning District
  • Variances
  • Any other planning or zoning-related matters referred to it by the Town Council​​.

For specific cases, such as a variance between a commercially zoned lot and an adjacent lot zoned for agricultural residential use, the individual or business would typically need to apply for a variance or other relevant permissions. The process involves presenting the case to the Planning & Zoning Board, which then makes a recommendation to the Town Council. The council would then decide whether to grant the variance based on the specifics of the case, the local zoning laws, and the potential impact on the surrounding area.

To obtain detailed information about a specific property or zoning variance on Okeechobee Boulevard, it’s advisable to contact the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Department directly or review the town’s zoning codes and ordinances.

You
what are the names of the contact person and their information
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

Based on a quick search, here’s what I discovered.

The contact person for the Planning & Zoning Department in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, is Jim Fleischman. You can reach him or the department at:

  • Email: Jim Fleischman
  • Phone: 561-249-2641
  • Physical Address: 155 F Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
  • General Phone for Planning & Zoning Department: 561-793-2418
  • Fax: 561-793-2420

For inquiries related to zoning, including variances on Okeechobee Blvd or any other planning and zoning-related matters, you can contact Mr. Fleischman or the department using the above contact information​

You
and for agriculture permits
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

After a quick search, here’s what I discovered.

For information regarding agricultural permits in Loxahatchee Groves, you can contact the relevant department at:

  • Physical Address: 155 F Road, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
  • Phone: 561-793-2418
  • Email: [email protected]​.

This contact information can be used to inquire about specific agricultural permit requirements, application processes, and any other related queries.

You
what are all the names of the Loxahatchee Groves government and their contact information
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

I did a quick search and here’s what I discovered.

The government offices in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, and their respective contact information are as follows:

  1. Code Compliance
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  2. Finance Department
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  3. Public Works
    • Phone: 561-807-6671
  4. Planning & Zoning Department
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  5. Town Clerk’s Office
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  6. Town Council
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  7. Town Administration
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  8. Town Manager’s Office
    • Phone: 561-793-2418
  9. Building Department
    • No phone number listed​​.

For specific inquiries or assistance, you can contact these departments directly using the provided phone numbers.

You
who is the town manager
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

The current Town Manager of Loxahatchee Groves is Francine Ramaglia. She was selected by the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council to replace the retiring Town Manager Jamie Titcomb after a unanimous decision following interviews with multiple candidates. Francine Ramaglia previously served as the Assistant Town Manager for several years before her promotion to Town Manager​.

How has life changed in Loxahatchee for the residents and establishing a business?
ChatGPT Based on a quick search, here’s what I found.

 Life in Loxahatchee Groves for residents and businesses has seen significant changes, particularly during the pandemic era, as the town retooled its operational processes:

  1. Adaptation to the Pandemic: The town adjusted to the challenges of the pandemic by creating a new socially distanced process for conducting business. This included reconfiguring systems to allow residents and businesses to interact online more effectively, enhancing remote working capabilities, and managing constraints in staffing and budgeting​​.
  2. Improved Online Systems: Loxahatchee Groves established e-mail portals in all main systems, including permits, business tax receipts, and code enforcement. This development enabled more efficient communication and processing, directing communications to the correct departments and staff members who need to review them​​.
  3. Simplifying Business Processes: The town proposed using contracts already approved by other governmental agencies, a practice known as “piggybacking,” to save time, reduce paperwork, and simplify the acquisition of specific goods and services. This approach aimed to maximize contractual services that the town couldn’t provide in-house by leveraging the work of larger cities, thus saving costs and expediting processes​​.
  4. Enhanced Communication Through Social Media: Loxahatchee Groves worked on creating official social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to improve town communications and connect with residents. This move was part of an effort to link social media accounts to positive local news stories​​.
  5. Engagement with Local Businesses: The town focused on bringing local businesses into compliance with

current regulations and laws. Many businesses that had been operating outside the town’s oversight were made aware of changing laws since their establishment. The aim was to streamline systems, align them properly, and create better participation and compliance with the town’s ordinances​​.

  1. Infrastructure Improvements: There was a focus on addressing the town’s roads and drainage system. Due to fiscal constraints, a multi-year capital improvement and restoration plan was proposed to deal with long-standing infrastructure deficiencies. The town’s management emphasized the importance of collaboration between residents and the town to decide on priorities and implementation strategies​​.

These changes reflect Loxahatchee Groves’ efforts to modernize its operations, enhance communication and services, and ensure that both residents and businesses adapt to evolving circumstances while maintaining the town’s rural character and quality of life.

You
what are the agricultural restrictions for business and is the code public?
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

From a quick search, here’s what I found.

In Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, the regulations for agricultural businesses and the associated codes are publicly accessible online. The town provides two key resources for understanding these regulations:

  1. Code of Ordinances: This document outlines various ordinances that govern different aspects of life and business in Loxahatchee Groves, including those related to agriculture. It is available for public access online​​.
  2. Unified Land Development Code (ULDC): This code includes specific guidelines and regulations related to land development, which would be relevant for agricultural businesses and other land-based enterprises. This code is also available online​​.

For individuals or businesses interested in starting or operating an agricultural venture in Loxahatchee Groves, these documents are essential for understanding the local regulations and ensuring compliance. The availability of these codes online provides easy access for current and prospective business owners to review and understand the specific requirements and restrictions that may apply to their agricultural activities.

You
where can the code be found specifically?
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

The specific codes for Loxahatchee Groves, including those related to agricultural businesses, can be found online at the following locations:

  1. Code of Ordinances: The Town of Loxahatchee Groves’ Code of Ordinances can be accessed online through this link: Loxahatchee Groves Code of Ordinances​.
  2. Unified Land Development Code (ULDC): The Unified Land Development Codes for Loxahatchee Groves are available at this link: Loxahatchee Groves Unified Land Development Code​.

These resources provide detailed information on the town’s regulations and are essential for anyone looking to understand the legal framework for agricultural and other business activities in Loxahatchee Groves.

what is the variances in zoning on Okeechobee Blvd from one lot commercial to the lot next door zoned AG
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Okeechobee Blvd properties and their unclear zoning disparities do not end at a final cession yet, This means no business LG don’t like?  Palm Beach Post 2021

Property Appraiser Application Agricultural Exemption on Your Land

Learn about a Agricultural Exemption on Your Land

Save your precious time and resources by utilizing the services of Loxahatchee Groves environmental permit dept. When you are an They specialize in assisting property owners in Florida to get their properties certified for bonafide agricultural purposes. With their expertise and knowledge, they can guide you through the necessary steps and paperwork required to make your property eligible for agricultural classification. By engaging their services, you can avoid the hassle and confusion of navigating the complex regulations and requirements on your own. Let Loxahatchee Groves No Department handle the process, allowing you to focus on other important tasks while ensuring that your property receives the agricultural status it deserves.

Save your time with Loxahatchee Groves No Department. Learn about getting your Florida property to Bon fied Agricultural Purposes

 

Florida lands that are primarily utilized for legitimate agricultural pursuits shall be officially categorized as agricultural. The phrase “bona fide agricultural purposes” refers to the sincere and genuine commercial use of the land for agricultural activities. Moreover, the right to farm bill establishes and safeguards the rights of farmers to engage in agricultural practices without undue interference or restriction. This legislation ensures the protection and support of the agricultural industry, recognizing its crucial role in sustaining the economy, preserving rural communities, and providing essential food and resources for the state.

Florida lands that are used primarily for bona fide agricultural purposes shall be classified agricultural.”The term “bona fide agricultural purposes” means good faith commercial agricultural use of the land.” and the right to farm bill

land fir ssle Loxahatchee
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