Planning and zoning board buzzed about distillery

Planning and zoning commissioners gave unanimous approval Monday for a special use permit to allow for a small distillery operation in Weeki Wachee.

But those wanting to toast to that decision will have to wait a while until the mom-and-pop-bourbon-making operation is underway.

Natalie and Kevin Goff asked commissioners for approval to operate a bourbon distillery on part of their 40-acre property on 7237 Wild Buck Road, which sits on the cusp of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area.

Plans include producing 30 gallons per month and operating three days per week on the weekdays.

Natalie told commissioners that the operation is small and that it would take time before she and her husband saw much profit.

"It will take us several years to really get our recipe together," she said. "And hopefully we have a successful product."

She added that their property is surrounded by woods and that neighbors would see or hear little to no difference once the business is in operation. The Goffs also do not plan to sell the product from their property. Instead, a supplier will distribute the organic bourbon to local stores.

Following questions from commissioners and no opposition from anyone in the audience, Commission Vice Chairman Ronald Caldi praised the couple for their efforts to start up a business and do so with little to no impact to their land or neighbors.

"I applaud you for diversifying the Hernando County business base here and doing something that hasn't been done," Caldi said. "Congratulations and I wish you the best of luck."