A long-running development dispute near Sarasota’s Celery Fields has taken a significant new turn.
On October 6, Sarasota County commissioners unanimously rejected a proposed legal settlement involving D.R. Horton and approximately 51 acres of privately owned land along Raymond Road, adjacent to Celery Fields.
The proposed settlement would have allowed a 126-home residential development to move forward after the county denied the project’s rezoning request in February 2025.
Instead, commissioners unanimously directed county staff to pursue negotiations to potentially purchase the property, commonly known as Smith Farm.
The decision introduces a possible alternative to residential development on the site.
Celery Fields is one of Sarasota’s best-known natural areas, attracting residents and visitors for birdwatching, walking, wildlife observation, and scenic views. The surrounding area also plays an important role in regional stormwater management.
The Smith Farm property has been the subject of an ongoing legal dispute involving proposed residential development, flooding concerns, and land-use decisions.
The Sarasota Audubon Society has expressed support for a potential county purchase and offered to assist with fundraising if necessary.
For residents who value the area’s open space and natural surroundings, the county’s latest decision could represent an important step toward preserving additional land near Celery Fields.
However, no purchase agreement has been reached, the property is not yet publicly owned, and the legal dispute remains unresolved.
The next step is determining whether the county and property owners can agree on terms for a potential sale.
As Sarasota continues to grow, decisions like this highlight the ongoing balance between residential development, conservation, and protecting the natural spaces that make the area unique.
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