The Sarasota Planning Commission discussed a developer’s request for a project near Scherer-Thaxton Preserve.
By Ramon Lopez
Original Air Date: October 29, 2025
Host: Jon Thaxton was an unusual recent addition to the Sarasota County Planning Commission. The former county commissioner and long-time environmental activist was expected to change the public perception that this county commission-appointed advisory board is a rubber stamp for developers. But Thaxton’s first vote took many by surprise. Ramon Lopez has this story.
Ramon Lopez: The proposed mixed-use real estate development on 138 acres at the intersection of I-75, State Road 681 and Honore Avenue recently cleared a major hurdle leading to Sarasota County approval.
The land is currently zoned for agricultural use and requires county approval for rezoning. The development will include 500 residential units, a gas station, retail outlets and two 150-room hotels.
The original blueprint said there would be 350,000 square feet of commercial space. But the commercial area was drastically cut back to 85,000 square feet.
The Sarasota County Planning Commission recommended approval for four land-use changes and a special exception on a 6-1 vote. Planning Commissioner Mitzie Fiedler voted against the project. She did not agree with the commercial use and also opposed a special exception that would allow the twin hotels to be as tall as 85 feet.
On the other hand, fellow planning commissioner Jon Thaxton endorsed bulldozing the land now grazing cattle.
It’s the last piece of the 7,000-plus acre Palmer Ranch Development.
The tract, dubbed Parcel 6C, is owned by Hugh Culverhouse Junior.
Culverhouse Sr. sold 1,400 acres to the state of Florida to expand Oscar Scherer State Park. About 1,100 of those acres are still owned by the state, including the Mary Thaxton Memorial Preserve. Sarasota County acquired the other 300 acres, with 267-acres west of Honore Avenue now known as the Scherer-Thaxton Preserve.
Thaxton said he had hoped about 600 acres on the east side of SR 681, including Parcel 6C, could have been part of that early 1990s sale to the state of Florida benefitting wildlife movements.
Jon Thaxton
Jon Thaxton: It would have been nice. That was my proposal—to get all 2,000 acres. But, for better or for worse, we settled for the 1,400 acres. I think anyone that drives on State Road 681 now, including myself, appreciates just how great it is to have that beautiful open space that we can still look at, but we do have homes where, once, I had planned for a park.
RL: The Sarasota County Commissioners are scheduled to review the mixed use project on December 16. It should be interesting when the matter reaches the county commission, chaired by Joe Neunder. Four locals spoke at the planning commission hearing—all of whom decried the thought of additional development. They included the parents of Joe Neunder—Bill Neunder and Elizabeth Cuevas Neunder. We hear from them.
Joe Neunder swearing in while parents Bill Neunder (gray suit) and Elizabeth Cuevas Neunder (white dress) watch
Bill Neunder: I have concerns about all of this stuff, the population density. A 300 unit hotel? Another one? I’m surprised there’s not a car wash going in there, too, or maybe a self-storage unit. I don’t believe a word these guys are saying. In fact, the next time I come here, I’m going to put some hip waders on because I don’t believe anything that these guys are talking about. It’s all about real estate development.
Elizabeth Cuevas Neunder: I am saying to the project, please deny it. We cannot continue developing that area. Give it to the wildlife that we need very much.
RL: Mitzie Fiedler, who lost her Venice City Council seat because she was viewed as pro-development, explains why she cast the one nay vote.
Mitzie Fiedler
Mitzie Fiedler: I will not be voting in favor. I think it is a square peg in a round hole. Having 11,000 new vehicles added to the road will just give me total heartburn. I like the development, at a lower intensity and not necessarily with commercial. I don’t think commercial is necessary. I don’t think hotels are necessarily needed in this area.
RL: Thaxton is known for his environmental advocacy. But he’s all for this building project.
JT: They do do their research. They do the market analysis. So far, over 40 plus years, they’ve not missed the mark. It is an interesting feeling to see increment number 31 before this commission and ultimately before the Board of County commissioners.
RL: This is Ramon Lopez for WSLR News.
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