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Mini-Golf Critics Win A Round; Owner Won't Appeal Denial

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By GEORGE WILKENS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 30, 2007

TAMPA - Opponents of the proposed Pebble Creek miniature golf course may have won their fight - or at least a delay in the battle.

Bill Place, owner-operator of the Pebble Creek Country Club, said he has reluctantly decided not to appeal the Hillsborough County Commission's denial last month of his requested zoning modification.

"I talked to attorneys about doing the appeal, and they all thought we had a good case, but you're looking at $20,000, $30,000 or more," Place said. Also, he added, an appeal would take two years or longer, and the ultimate decision would again be determined by the county commission.

Place said his decision not to appeal does not preclude requesting another zoning hearing in a year.

In the meantime, the 1-acre site at the community's main entrance remains on the market, listed for $529,000. Place, who has suggested the site is suitable for a variety of uses, from a day care center to a kennel, said there has been a recent inquiry into buying the property to locate a medical office there.

Place, who owns several Ace Golf driving ranges and miniature golf courses in Hillsborough County, bought the Pebble Creek Golf Club in 2005. In 2006, he applied for the zoning change to add an 18-hole miniature golf course to the vacant property adjacent to the clubhouse.

Place, who pumped $1 million into refurbishing New Tampa's oldest golf course, said miniature golf would be a sorely needed family-friendly recreational activity.

His plan for the forest-themed miniature golf course, however, upset some Pebble Creek residents, and the homeowners association for the 1,049-unit community led the opposition, saying it would detract from the community entrance and bring noise, traffic, vandalism and other crime.

"We wish Bill the best in his endeavors with the golf course," Pebble Creek Homeowners Association President Tanya Heires said upon learning of Place's decision not to appeal. "We want the golf course to be successful but not at the expense of our homeowners."

An overflow crowd of about 200 people, pro and con, attended the Oct. 9 downtown zoning hearing, which ended with a 5-2 vote against the change. The commission said a miniature golf course would be incompatible with the neighboring residential area and would present traffic and parking problems.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4847 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

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