Land Use: Ecotourism Glampground in Sensitive Marshland
The Challenge
Ozello, Florida is a small, coastal area in unincorporated Citrus County, nestled along a twisting peninsula that winds through marshland, estuaries and the St. Martins Aquatic Preserve. Known for its old-Florida charm, limited infrastructure and deep environmental sensitivity, Ozello had long resisted any significant development. 
In 2022, private landowners applied to rezone their 16-acre property at the end of Fishcreek Point to allow for a ecotourism destination: Fishcreek Glampground and RV Resort. Their vision included safari-style glaping tents, campsites, eco-tours and an enhanced boat ramp.
But the path forward would not be easy.
Facing growing community opposition and a bruising record of denial, Fishcreek turned to Passantino Andersen and realigned their public strategy heading into a pivotal Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Key Activities
Mobilizing Support from the Community - We actively mobilized area business leaders, key influencers and local residents to support the project. Through targeted outreach and personal engagement, endorsements from tourism advocates, small business owners and members of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce were secured, alongside Citrus County citizens.Their involvement proved instrumental in countering opposition narratives and demonstrating widespread community backing.
Reframing the Narrative - Unlike earlier efforts that emphasized commercial viability, we shifted the message to sustainable tourism, habitat preservation and economic benefits. Key talking points emphasized flood-resilient designs, limited impervious surfaces, and compatibility with Citrus County’s tourism goals. An ongoing and extensive drive of letters to the editor made this clear public support visible to County decisionmakers.
Hearing Prep - We carefully studied the opposition’s concerns and prepared thoughtful, measured responses that were delivered both from the applicant and local residents. Our third-party advocates were organized to testify in favor of the project and balance out a vocal opposition bloc. This proved instrumental in convincing undecided Commissioners to support the project.
Hearing Room Strategy - On hearing day, we mobilized our supporters to create a clear visual expression of support. Supporters were clear and focused on the property’s unique history.
Winning Results
On August 22, 2023, after a more than five-hour hearing, the Citrus County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously (5–0) to approve the rezoning of Fishcreek Glampground. The vote marked the first time in recent memory that a major development was approved in the heart of Ozello. The project now stands as a precedent for how sustainable development—when paired with a thoughtful community engagement strategy—can succeed, even in Florida’s most environmentally sensitive coastal communities.
