Development

A long-running fight over a proposed subdivision next to Sarasota’s Celery Fields has escalated into a lawsuit, with D.R. Horton abandoning an arbitration process and suing Sarasota County after officials repeatedly rejected its scaled-down plans to build up to 170 homes on nearby Smith Farm.

Three times now, environmental advocates hoping to stave off a housing community proposed next to the Celery Fields bird sanctuary have seen huge victories in the Sarasota County Commission chambers. But a developer that calls itself "America's largest homebuilder” is still carrying on with its plans.

Sarasota County Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments.

The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to add a referendum to fund the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program through 2049. It'll need a simple majority of votes to pass.

The Florida House has passed a bill supporters say could increase housing supply and lower costs. Critics warn it could weaken local control over development.

The developer planning to raze the buildings for a new tower has said the project was meant to underscore local artistic talent. But many artists see it differently.

The measure has drawn backlash from local governments and advocacy groups, including 1000 Friends of Florida, which argue the law undermines home rule and prevents communities from strengthening wetlands protections among other issues.

The structures will eventually be knocked down to create room for French furniture designer Roche Bobois’s first branded residential tower in the U.S.

A community group informed residents of what's environmentally at stake and discussed hiring lawyers to get ahead of a private company's development process.

A Florida Senate bill would allow homeowners in community development districts (CDDs) to recall board members accused of malfeasance, neglect or incompetence — a power residents currently lack.

Several bills coursing through Tallahassee have aroused the ire of many conservationists. But some bills also have their backing.

A state Senate committee has approved scaling back a law that temporarily blocks cities and counties from allowing "restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans.