The upcoming mayoral election in the rural town of Southwest Ranches has sparked a heated debate between incumbent Steve Breitkreuz and challenger Lori Parrish, both longtime residents with differing visions for how the town should move forward.

SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. – A battle is brewing in Southwest Ranches over a proposal to put a truck stop, among other things, on a stretch of U.S. Route 27. There's a meeting to discuss the idea Thursday night, and the plan is already getting some pushback. “It’s a corridor transportation route, and we’re looking at a commercial light industry, employment center primarily,” real estate tycoon Ron Bergeron said. It prohibits gas stations and fuel sales on the land, motor vehicle repair shops and a truck stop, which Bergeron is asking the town council to repeal at Thursday night’s meeting. “We’re at the stage where we’re trying to work with the town,” Bergeron said.