Margate Commission Approves Ordinances to Allow for Lakes of Carolina Development

by David Volz November 6, 2025

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Margate Commissioners Argue Over Plans for Carolina Golf Club

The Carolina Golf Course in Margate. {Photo courtesy SFDF Aerial Imagery}

Following a long, contentious meeting that lasted until early morning on November 6, the commission approved ordinances to allow Lakes of Carolina development to move forward.

The commission approved on first reading an ordinance to amend the zoning map of the city to rezone real property located at 3011 North Rock Island Road. The rezoning will change 7.6 acres from open space to a community business district, and 74.1 acres from open space to a multiple-dwelling district.

The commission approved on first reading a land use plan amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan to permit a change of land use from 148.7 acres of commercial recreation and 67 acres of park within the 636-acre property.

Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano and Mayor Arlene Schwartz voted against the two ordinances, and Vice Mayor Antonio Arserio, Commissioner Anthony Caggiano, and Commissioner Joanne Simone voted in favor.

This land is the former site of the Carolina Golf Club and includes a large building that once served as a clubhouse and restaurant. Residents have spoken out against the project, saying that it will mean more traffic and the loss of another open space. John Demming, a community activist who lives on the former golf course, said he has a report from Broward County stating that nothing can be built on the former course due to contamination.

Rosemurgy Acquisitions, the applicant on behalf of J & D Golf Properties, seeks to redevelop the golf course and build townhomes and large parks on the property. During the meeting, a representative from the developer said that townhomes would be built, but that a large apartment building would not. Also, there would be extensive open spaces and lakes. A representative said that while there was some arsenic contamination, it would be cleaned up.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.