Sarasota Audubon: Info on Smith Farm Hearing on Tuesday Oct. 21

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Information on Smith Farms Hearing

Smith Farms Hearing on Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. Sarasota County Commission Chambers
1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Sarasota County Commission will be asked to consider a new proposal from developer D.R. Horton for a residential community on the Smith Farms property on Raymond Road.


The company revised its plans and is now asking for an 85-unit subdivision, after an initial request for 170 units. Additionally, the design reduces the number of entrances from two along Raymond Road to a single subdivision entrance in the southwest corner of the property. This new proposal resulted from a state-authorized arbitration process that the company pursued after the County Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to deny a rezoning petition that D.R. Horton had submitted to county staff.



The discussion is No. 36 on the board’s Oct. 21 agenda. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of the County Administration Center located at 1660 Ringling Boulevard in downtown Sarasota. When the agenda item is called there will be comments made by several on the Sarasota Audubon team. In an effort to streamline the process, we ask that other members attend, but please do not plan on speaking.


A bit of history on this process: DR Horton filed a FLUEDRA (Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act) motion stating the County Commission had failed to provide adequate reasons for its 5-0 denial of the Smith Family Farm rezone on Feb. 12, 2025 and further, that this denial unfairly burdened the landowner’s property rights.


The proceeding took place Sept. 11, at the county administration building. The Sarasota Audubon as well as approximately 20 citizens were given an opportunity to speak after the attorneys representing each party made some opening remarks.


It was once again made clear that any development at this location risks the safety and well-being of visitors of this beloved park and surrounding residents as well as jeopardizing the wildlife that the community and tourists from around the world come to enjoy.


The parties then broke out into mediation, which was not resolved by the end of the allotted hearing time. The hearing was extended until Oct. 1 to continue to try and resolve the dispute through amendments to Horton’s plan.


It is our belief that any development of this property beyond its current zoning would be irreparably disruptive to birds and wildlife of the Celery Fields. Increased traffic, lights, noise and pets post-development would increase risk for all those visiting the Celery Fields as well as its resident wildlife. 


During the hearing, the Special Magistrate asked if acquisition of the property has been considered by the County. Although it is not clear if this option was discussed during the mediation on that day, Sarasota Audubon wholeheartedly supports acquisition of this land for public purposes such as a park or stormwater facility, or a conservation easement that restricts use of the land in a manner that adequately protects and preserves the Celery Fields.


Please reach out if you have questions.


Sara Reisinger

Sarasota Audubon President


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