Dade City residents protest potential solar farm

DADE CITY (FOX 13) - Residents continue to express their opposition toward a solar panel plant TECO is trying to build. 
The plant would cover 355 acres of what is currently farmland along Blanton Road near Interstate 75.

“People are fighting for their way of life,” said John Deleo, who attended Wednesday’s protest in downtown Dade City.

Protestors say the project would ruin one of the area’s most scenic areas. TECO says the plant would generate enough energy for about 100,000 homes, but many Dade City residents fear it may not benefit them, and they say a massive solar panel plant will ruin their rural way of life.

A public hearing will take place before the planning commission next Monday at 1:30 in New Port Richey.