Florida county rejects 126-home deal on 51 acres, weighs buying land

 In a unanimous decision, Sarasota County officials have turned down a settlement allowing residential development next to the Celery Fields. Instead, they are considering acquiring the 51-acre contested land for conservation. Following a lengthy legal dispute with D.R. Horton, the county sees this move as vital for improving stormwater management and protecting local wildlife habitats. However, the details of negotiations and funding remain unresolved, leaving the property’s future in limbo. In a unanimous decision, Sarasota County officials have turned down a settlement allowing residential development next to the Celery Fields. Instead, they are considering acquiring the 51-acre contested land for conservation. Following a lengthy legal dispute with D.R. Horton, the county sees this move as vital for improving stormwater management and protecting local wildlife habitats. However, the details of negotiations and funding remain unresolved, leaving the property’s future in limbo.