An exemplary letter on DR Horton's potentially deleterious impact upon the Celery Fields

This citizen's letter to the Board captures the key economic factors in play with DR Horton's proposed housing development next to the prime birding area of the Celery Fields:

Dear Commissioners, 

My name is Jay Marhoefer, and I am a Sarasota resident who supports thoughtful, economically reasonable development in our county. I write today regarding Rezone Petition RZ 23-30 (Smith Properties). Let me preface  my remarks by saying that a landowner should have the right to sell his property, but that sale does not come with  a guarantee of rezoning. Were the Commission to approve this petition, the developer and property owner stand to  profit considerably from converting this parcel into residential lots – but Sarasota County will lose. The  commissioners must not be short-sighted by failing to consider the broader economic implications for our county  as a whole should you approve this measure.  

Celery Fields is not just any open tract of land—it is a unique parcel within Sarasota County that provides  significant value beyond its undeveloped state. Birding enthusiasts and nature lovers—both domestic and  international—visit this spot for its rare wildlife and distinctive vistas. Firsthand accounts, along with numerous  tourism testimonials, indicate a high level of interest in Celery Fields that drives substantial local spending. I am  confident that the Commission has heard from many of these people. 

By approving this measure, the county’s primary benefit is recurring tax revenue. A figure of $6,000 per home in  annual property tax for the 126 homes in the proposed development is a reasonable estimate – just over $750  thousand per year. But to weigh that against what would be lost, we must at least consider hypothetical yet  extremely conservative birding and ecotourism estimates. Over the six-month peak season, roughly 70 out-of town birders per week (10 per day) would each spend $900 per trip on lodging, meals, and incidentals—totaling  well over $1.6 million for that period alone. The off-season, with fewer visitors (35 per week) and slightly lower daily  expenditures (averaging $450 per trip), adds another $400,000+, bringing annual spending to more than $2 million.  These figures are likely conservative in light of Celery Fields’ growing reputation among international birding  communities and online travel platforms. This is almost triple the County income from property taxes and this  number will only grow. 

Importantly, Celery Fields cannot be replicated. The county contains many other non-unique sites better suited for  development without comparable economic or environmental detriment. Unlike Celery Fields, those properties  do not serve as a central draw for visitors seeking a specific ecological and educational experience. 

It is worth highlighting that these numbers do not reflect secondary multiplier effects (purchases at local shops,  return visits, or the international publicity Sarasota enjoys). Nor do they capture the intangible benefits to local  schools, community groups, and families who use this resource. In other words, the data only scratches the  surface of the long-term economic and cultural value provided by Celery Fields. 

Given all of this, I encourage you to deny Rezone Petition RZ 23-30. The short-term financial gains will pale in  comparison to what Sarasota will sacrifice economically on a recurring basis and in terms of its reputation as a  vibrant destination for nature-based tourism. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Jay Marhoefer 

Sarasota FL 34238