The Sarasota County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on January 27 at the Robert L. Anderson Building in Venice to weigh land use changes for the Winchester Ranch community planned off River Road, between Englewood and North Port.
The team behind Wellen Park wants to shift most of this 3,000-acre property out of its current rural status and into a moderate-density zone. Right now, the land sits in unincorporated Sarasota County, but that could change soon. They’re looking to build roughly 9,000 homes there.
This property, once part of the Taylor Ranch, sits just off South River Road near the Winchester Boulevard intersection. Back in 2002, North Port annexed most of Taylor Ranch, and over the years, it’s grown into the 9,000-acre Wellen Park community.
Winchester Florida Ranch, LLLP, is pushing for the zoning change, with plans to fold Winchester Ranch into North Port before breaking ground. City officials say they’re ready to handle water and sewer service and plan to beef up fire and police coverage as the area grows.
The Sarasota County Planning Committee already reviewed the proposal in December and gave it the green light, recommending commissioners approve the changes. The Planning Commission voted 7-1 in favor, with board member Jon Thaxton, the only dissenter, voicing his concerns.
During the meeting, developer attorney Bill Merrill argued that this move fits Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan for the area, calling the project “infill development.” Not everyone agreed. Several residents pushed back.
Amy Hibberd, a local realtor, questioned the need for even more homes. “Are we approving another pointless development with no buyers?” she said. “Look it up. People are leaving.”
