Sarasota County Considers Celery Fields Land Purchase

Sarasota County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 6 to explore purchasing a more than 50-acre property adjacent to the Celery Fields. The move follows repeated rejections of development proposals from D.R. Horton for the site, which could cost at least $3 million to acquire.

The dispute concerns D.R. Horton's plans for the Raymond Road property, known as the Smith farm. The developer initially proposed a 126-unit single-family subdivision. Sarasota County commissioners determined in April that properties zoned Residential Estate (RE) and Open Use Estate (OUE) do not qualify for development under Florida's Live Local Act, prompting lawsuits from D.R. Horton.

D.R. Horton filed a lawsuit in June after the county refused to process its application for an 864-unit multifamily project on the property, which is zoned Open Use Rural (OUR). OUR zoning typically permits one unit per 10 acres.

At the Oct. 6 meeting, D.R. Horton offered a settlement to end the litigation if it could proceed with its 126-lot single-family subdivision plan. Sarasota County Attorney Joshua Moye noted the developer had previously rejected an offer to purchase the land about a year ago during mediation.

Commissioner Teresa Mast advocated for the county's acquisition, citing the land's importance for stormwater infrastructure and wildlife habitat. The property lies south and east of the Celery Fields, a county-owned site vital for stormwater management, recreation, and wildlife. Mast suggested a potential partnership with the Sarasota Audubon Society.

The properties, owned by the Cindy L Smith Revocable Living Trust, are appraised for nearly $3.52 million. The county attorney will now negotiate with D.R. Horton, the property owners, and potentially the Sarasota Audubon Society to determine a purchase price.