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Mini-Golf Plan Hits The Rough

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By GEORGE WILKENS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

PEBBLE CREEK - Bill Place's long drive to bring miniature golf to New Tampa ended up in 2007 as a slice into the rough.

His plan, unveiled in fall 2005, for the 18-hole, forest-themed course at the entrance to the Pebble Creek community immediately drew opposition.

Bill Place

The homeowners association for the 1,049-unit community and other opponents said it would bring noise, traffic, vandalism and other crime.

Hillsborough County commissioners rejected the necessary zoning modification, saying miniature golf was incompatible with the adjacent residential area and would present traffic problems.

Place initially said he would appeal the county's 5-2 decision but decided a month later he would not, citing estimated legal fees of $20,000 to $30,000. The decision does not preclude his requesting another hearing in a year.

Place owns several Ace Golf driving ranges and miniature golf courses in Hillsborough County and pumped $1 million into Pebble Creek after buying it in 2005.

The 1-acre site that had been proposed for miniature golf is suitable for various uses and is on the market for $529,000, Place said.

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