Lithia is no longer being considered as a potential site for a facility to study cadavers, University of South Florida officials said Friday.

The Facility for Outdoor Experimental Research and Training would have allowed researchers to study the effects of the elements on cadavers. Officials say the program offers a valuable tool in helping to identify missing persons and solve violent crime.

The plan has been controversial since it was announced, with some residents expressing concerns about the facility, such as the potential for smells or animals it might attract.

USF held a public meeting Thursday night, and nearly 100 residents turned out to share opinions both for and against the facility.

"Naturally just different things coming in, the smell, resale value of our property," said resident Donald Pollock. "As people said, we've put a lot of time and patience in this place and we'd like to keep our property values up."

In the end, USF officials said they decided not to pursue the FORT program in Lithia.

"The residents of Lithia made themselves clear," the university said in a statement. "As a result of this community meeting, USF has decided not to pursue the FORT program in Lithia."

"The little man finally scored one, yeah he did, he won this one," Pollock said.

USF officials said they still believe Florida would benefit from a program like FORT, so they will continue to look for a different location for the facility.

"It's a good think they are doing, but they need to do it in a more remote place," Pollock said. "We've got a nice little community here and we want to keep it that way.

Officials say similar programs are currently in operation around the United States, including Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which was a partner in the project, also issued a statement saying that while it supports the facility, it needs to be put somewhere that doesn't cause concern for citizens.