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NewsSarasota MagazineNovember 6, 2026Sarasota County

Judge Hunter W. Carroll Rules Sarasota County Must Allow Celery Fields Apartment Development Under Live Local Act

Photo: Sarasota Magazine

A circuit judge ruled that Sarasota County must process a proposed 600-apartment development near Celery Fields under the state's Live Local Act, rejecting local efforts to block large-scale projects in rural areas. The decision clears the path for potential apartment projects totaling more than 7,600 units across rural Sarasota County. County Attorney Jouhua Moye informed commissioners of the defeat on Wednesday afternoon, noting the county faces five similar pending lawsuits.

HousingLocal GovernmentLand UseState Law
Read the full story at Sarasota Magazine

Why It Matters

The ruling strips Sarasota County of its authority to block large-scale apartment developments in rural zones traditionally limited to one home per five acres, exposing the county to up to $250,000 in court costs per case.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationFlorida Legislature“Legislature that passed and amended the Live Local Act”locationManatee“County served by the CNC”PersonJouhua Moye“County Attorney who advised commissioners on the ruling”OrganizationCommunity News Collaborative“Collaborative supporting Suncoast Searchlight”locationDesoto“County served by the CNC”PersonChristopher Oprison“Attorney stating his client will not back down”OrganizationSuncoast Searchlight“Publisher of the news article”PersonTeresa Mast“Commissioner requesting a robust discussion at the next meeting”OrganizationSarasota County“Local government fighting the Live Local Act”PersonHunter W. Carroll“Circuit Judge who issued the decision on Tuesday”locationCelery Fields“Bird sanctuary and stormwater facility near the proposed apartment project”locationSarasota County“County affected by the ruling”