The Sarasota County Commission plans to meet on July 8, 2026, and the main spotlight is on land-use petitions and commercial dock rules tied to the Buchan’s Bayside project, a development sparking a lot of debate in the community.
This project used to be known as Buchan’s Landing on Dearborn Street, and it’s drawn plenty of attention from residents and local civic groups. People worry changes requested by the developer could chip away at longstanding commercial dock restrictions, and possibly shift the historic, mixed-use vibe of Old Englewood Village. Others feel the development will be good for business, for the Englewood community, and for Dearborn.
This meeting is the first of a two-day session; the commission will go into recess on July 9. If you’re following the proceedings, you can always catch the commission meetings live or later on the Sarasota County Government Meetings on Demand portal.
The big update about Buchan’s Bayside: the property owner is pushing for new changes at the lot by Dearborn and Olde Englewood Road. While some protest signs have disappeared from the property, the public hearing is still on for July 8 at 9 a.m. and they expect a large turnout.
Here’s what’s officially on the agenda for public hearings and presentations:
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:
A. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-034, approving Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2025-02 on approximately 2.3 acres for property located south of West Dearborn Street, east of Old Englewood Road, southwest of West Green Street, Englewood, from Moderate Density Residential to Commercial Center – Englewood Town Center;
B. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-035, approving Critical Area Plan Amendment No. 95-01-SP-2025 to amend the definition of Mixed-Use Development to clarify that Mixed-Use Development shall be defined as mixed-use buildings, or a combination of residential buildings and/or lots and non-residential buildings and/or lots in a Unified Development at the time of application;
C. (Not a public hearing) Land Development Regulation Commission to find Ordinance No. 2025-035 to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. (Must be done prior to the adoption of B.);
D. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-036, approving Rezone Petition No. 25-04 on approximately 3.4 acres for property located south of West Dearborn Street, east of Old Englewood Road, southwest of West Green Street, Englewood, from CG/MSOD with stipulations, RSF-3, and RSF-3/RCTOD to CG/MSOD zone district with amended stipulations;
E. (Public hearing) To adopt a Resolution approving Special Exception Petition No. 1911 to allow 1) freestanding residential buildings and lots in the CG/MSOD zone district, 2) commercial parking (valet) on approximately 0.33 acres located at 51 Old Englewood Road, Englewood in the RMF-1/RCTOD zone district, and 3) structures, uses, and boat slips abutting and within the MP zone district and adjoining upland areas in the CG/MSOD zone district.
Finally, the meeting wraps up with an “Open to the Public” segment, where anyone can speak for up to three minutes about issues not already on the agenda. If you want to share your thoughts, just fill out a Request to Speak card before your turn.
Click here for the link to Sarasota County Government, Meeting Agenda for July 8, 2026.
