A Test of Sarasota’s Commitment to Flood Prevention

A letter from a SCAN member who asked to remain anonymous - the argument against Rezone 23-30 - the Smith Farm / DR Horton proposal - speaks for itself:

On February 12, Sarasota County Commissioners will reveal whether they take flooding concerns seriously when they vote on a 50-acre rezoning request. Their decision on the Smith Properties project will indicate whether they are committed to preventing future flood disasters or continuing a troubling pattern of approving developments without fully assessing the risks.

Recent storms have made it clear that Sarasota County has a flooding problem. In response, the commission asked stormwater expert Stephen M. Suau to conduct an independent review of the county’s stormwater regulations and operations. His recommendations are clear: the county should stop approving rezonings that increase housing density in 100-year floodplains unless developers first conduct a complete flood model analysis proving that the project will not cause off-site flooding.

This recommendation should not be controversial. The county’s own land development regulations already require a finding that a rezoning will not create drainage or flooding problems. But instead of enforcing this requirement before approving density increases, the commission often allows developers to defer flood impact studies until after the rezoning is approved. This backward approach puts residents at risk and weakens Sarasota’s ability to manage future flood events.

The Smith Properties rezoning request is a perfect example of why this practice needs to change.

Smith Farm under water the day after Hurricane Debby

The property, located on Raymond Road adjacent to the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility, is currently zoned for five homes. The proposed rezoning would allow 170 homes—an enormous increase in density in an area that is already flood-prone.

According to Sarasota County flood maps, 64% of the property sits within a 100-year floodplain. Recent media reports have shown the site under water during storms, confirming the accuracy of those maps. Yet rather than requiring the developer to prove that the increased density will not create flooding problems, the county appears ready to approve the rezoning now and worry about the consequences later.

The county’s Planning Commission has already voted against the rezoning. Commissioner Donna Carter summed up the concerns well, saying, “I don’t think that is a buildable property, and I hope the county does find a way to buy that property and just add it to the Celery Fields.”

This is not just a question of one development. The February 12 vote is a test of Sarasota County’s commitment to flood mitigation. If commissioners are serious about preventing development-driven flooding, they should reject this rezoning request. If the developer believes the project can be built without causing flood issues, they should be required to prove it before asking for increased density—not after.

Sarasota’s future depends on responsible planning. Approving developments before flood risks are fully evaluated is a dangerous gamble. The commissioners must take a stand now to protect residents, follow their own land regulations, and ensure that future rezonings are based on sound flood prevention policies—not developer interests.

Their choice on February 12 will make clear where they stand.