Sarasota County Approves Massive 2,700-Acre Development

Palm and Oak Commercial Nabs County Commission Approval for Laurel Ranch

Project Draws Mixed Reactions; Environmentalists, Residents Voice Concerns

Sarasota County Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve rezoning a 2,700-acre site in eastern Sarasota County for a planned massive development called "Laurel Ranch." The development, proposed by developer Pat Neal of Palm and Oak Commercial, will be located east of Interstate 75 and north of State Road 70, and will include 2,400 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial space, and a business park.

The project has drawn mixed reactions, with some residents and environmentalists voicing concerns about the project's impact on the area's environment and traffic. However, Neal has said the project will create jobs, boost the economy, and provide much-needed housing in the area.

The project still needs to receive final approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection before construction can begin. The project is expected to be completed in phases over the next 10 years.

Project Details

The Laurel Ranch development will include:

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• 2,400 homes, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments
• 6 million square feet of commercial space, including retail, office, and industrial space
• A business park
• Parks and open space

The project is expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity and create 10,000 jobs.

Environmental Concerns

One of the main concerns raised by environmentalists is the project's impact on the area's water resources. The project is located in the Myakka River watershed, which is home to several endangered species. Environmentalists worry that the development will increase pollution and runoff, which could harm the river and its wildlife.

Neal has said that the project will include measures to protect the environment, such as:

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• Preserving 1,000 acres of natural habitat
• Planting native trees and plants
• Installing stormwater treatment systems

Traffic Concerns

Residents have also expressed concerns about the project's impact on traffic. The area is already congested, and residents worry that the development will only make the problem worse.

Neal has said that the project will include measures to improve traffic, such as:

• Widening roads
• Adding new traffic signals
• Creating a new interchange on Interstate 75

Next Steps

The Laurel Ranch project still needs to receive final approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection before construction can begin. The project is expected to be completed in phases over the next 10 years.

Conclusion

The Laurel Ranch development is a massive project that will have a significant impact on eastern Sarasota County. The project is expected to create jobs, boost the economy, and provide much-needed housing in the area. However, there are also concerns about the project's impact on the environment and traffic. The project still needs to receive final approval from the state, and it is expected to be completed in phases over the next 10 years.