Residents of one senior community say, just before Thanksgiving, they received letters announcing plans for an 855-acre sand mine, and Wednesday they voiced their opposition to county leaders.

Saddlebag Lake Resort is a quiet senior community just east of Lake Wales.

Watch report from Rebecca Petit

I enjoy just the peace and tranquility of the whole park and the relationships with the people around us, said Chuck Vonderhaar.

Neighbors feared the 800-home community was in danger.

During a packed meeting, residents shared dire concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed Mammoth Grove Mine along State Road 60.

The health impacts this request will cause is undeniable, said Pamela Larson.

The land surrounding Saddlebag Lake is home to federally threatened and Florida endangered

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