Sarasota County Approves First Hi Hat Ranch Village

Sarasota County commissioners approved the first village of Hi Hat Ranch, a development planned for nearly 10,000 acres between Fruitville and Clark Roads in east county. The decision rezoned 2,000 acres off Bee Ridge Road to allow for up to 3,000 residential units.

Opponents raised concerns about fragmented wetlands and potential traffic increases on Fruitville Road, a route to Myakka River State Park. Developers stated the 2021 master plan designates 57% of the acreage as open space. Critics, including former County Commissioner Jon Thaxton, argued some preserved wetlands are isolated.

Thaxton questioned the development's fiscal neutrality, citing a $20 million surtax allocation for Lorraine Road extension, which a traffic study indicates Hi Hat Ranch will impact. Developers countered that state law limits infrastructure contribution requirements. County staff confirmed fiscal neutrality was settled in 2021.

Commissioners also approved moving a future county sports complex from the ranch's interior to Fruitville Road. Commissioner Tom Knight and residents criticized the relocation, having seen the plan days before the vote. Residents Heather Osterman and Martha Mahan opposed the Fruitville Road location, with Mahan stating, "Slow down. Do not put that sports facility on Fruitville Road. It’s not ready for it."

Concerns also arose about stormwater lakes potentially leaking treated sewer water into preserved wetlands and the affordability of the roughly 450 designated affordable homes. These homes do not require income verification and remain affordable for only one year.