TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Nomination for Acquisition of Parcel No. 0997034655 Under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition Program.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Support the nomination for acquisition of parcel no. 0997034655 under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition Program.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Support the nomination for acquisition of parcel no. 0997034655 under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition Program.
• Pros: Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive land and support existing wildlife habitat; expand public access to parkland/natural areas; utilize external funding source for purchase of park land; supports the recommendations within the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Master
Plan for development of a park at this location and supports the recommendation of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for acquisition.
• Cons: Commits the City to fund ongoing maintenance costs impacting General Fund; conflicts with current land use plans; loss of Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem revenue.
Option 2: Do not support the nomination for acquisition of parcel no. 0997034655 under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition Program.
• Pros: Aligns with previous City Commission consensus to not prioritize or consider properties that are designated commercial within activity centers of neighborhood commercial zoning; maintains opportunity for future economic development connected to commercial property; aligns with current park system focus to acquire additional parkland on the east side of the City.
• Cons: Lost opportunity to expand and preserve parkland and wildlife habitat; does not support the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommendation.
Background Information
In June of 2025, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources received a nomination form for purchase of a property located within the City of North Port under the County’s Land Acquisition Program. The 6.88-acre property is identified as parcel no. 0997034655, located at 14161 S. Tamiami Trail, along the Myakkahatchee Creek. This same property was reviewed by City Commission during a Special Meeting on April 27, 2021, where there was a consensus to not prioritize or consider properties that are designated commercial within activity centers or neighborhood commercial zoning.
The nomination was submitted by the realtor representing the property owner. According to the realtor, recent changes to land use regulations have significantly reduced the property's development potential. They believe the land's highest and best use is for conservation or public use. For reference, the subject property was previously zoned Planned Community Development and is currently designated as Activity Center-1. Both zoning designations permit commercial uses.
The nomination was reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board during the June 26, 2025, Advisory Board meeting with a recommendation to support the acquisition. As per established protocol, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources has requested that the City review this nomination and determine if there is support to move forward with pursuing acquisition.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Nomination Form
2. Review of Property for Acquisition
3. Property Record Information
4. June 26, 2025, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
5. May 4, 2021, Land Nomination Prioritization Letter
6. April 27, 2021, City Commission Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director