At a first mediation hearing, Texas-based DR Horton and Sarasota County did not get to a resolution.
By Noah Vinsky
Original Air Date: September 12, 2025
Host: Talks on the construction of a controversial Sarasota County housing development hit an impasse once again on Thursday after the developer invoked a rarely used legal tactic. WSLR’s Noah Vinsky reports.
Noah Vinsky: DR Horton, a Texas-based home construction company, aimed to build more than 120 homes on land across from the Celery Fields, a popular Sarasota recreational area renowned for being one of the best birdwatching spots in the state.
County commissioners swiftly denied a rezone of the land in February, citing flooding and environmental concerns. DR Horton turned to a legal move, invoking the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act. It allows developers to challenge denials without having to file a lawsuit.
That led to Thursday’s closed-door meeting between DR Horton and the Sarasota County Special Magistrate to come to a resolution. DR Horton modified its proposal to convince county officials and residents that the Celery Fields would not be impacted by light and noise pollution from the development.
Even though the meeting was announced to be behind closed doors, local activists and bird watchers mobilized to show presence.
Rendering of the proposed 126 homes and retention pond on the Smith Farm land.
The Sarasota Audubon Society voiced its dissent over the proposal at the meeting and issued a statement to WSLR. The statement says that “increased traffic, lights, noise during and after development would impact all those visiting the Celery Fields as well as its resident and migratory wildlife.” The statement says the Sarasota Audubon Society would support the county buying the land to be used as a park or conservation easement.
After presenting a new plan with reduced density and a round of public comment, the two sides could not come to an agreement. The hearing will continue on October 1. The Special Magistrate presiding over the hearing—local lawyer Mark Barnebey—will also look at whether the county’s denial of the rezone in February was unreasonable.
Noah Vinsky for WSLR News.
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