Sarasota County is once again considering the purchase of a 49-acre former golf course in the Gulf Gate Estates area, located east of Siesta Key, with fresh momentum thanks to potential new funding sources. The county sees this property not only as valuable open space but also as a critical tool in managing stormwater and improving water quality in the region.
A Strategic Opportunity for Stormwater Management and Open Space
Originally a golf course, the 49-acre parcel has been eyed by the county since 2022 as a possible site for stormwater storage and passive recreation. With frequent flooding concerns and water quality challenges impacting Sarasota Bay, converting the land into a water management facility could reduce harmful nutrient runoff while providing a much-needed green space for residents.
According to a professional study by P.E. Engineering and Consulting and RESPEC, transforming just 30.5 acres of the land into a water management facility could cut nitrogen runoff by 400 pounds and phosphorus by 250 pounds annually — a significant environmental benefit.
HUD Funding Brings New Possibilities
The proposal gained renewed life through the Resilient SRQ program, funded by a $210 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This grant aims to aid recovery and mitigation efforts following the 2024 hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The county included the golf course purchase in the final plan submitted to HUD in April 2025, and the program is expected to launch later this year once HUD approval is secured.
Addressing Contamination and Cost Challenges
One major concern remains the site’s soil contamination, including high levels of arsenic and asbestos from its prior use. Environmental remediation to meet EPA standards will be essential before public use. This cleanup is expected to be costly, and these factors are critical in ongoing negotiations with the property owner.
District 4 Commissioner Joe Neunder, who represents the area and advocates for the purchase, emphasized the rarity of finding such a large open space in Sarasota County that could serve multiple purposes: “It could be expensive to treat the arsenic that currently exists there... but it’s hard to find 50 acres left for stormwater and flood mitigation that also benefits the community.”
Community Support and History
The Gulf Gate Community Association (GGCA), formed by nearby residents, has been instrumental in pushing for the county to acquire the land rather than allow residential development. The parcel was rezoned in 2016 to permit 106 single-family homes, but contamination concerns deterred developers. The community has actively voiced its support through public meetings and advocacy letters.
The property is within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, adjacent to over 1,500 homes that face flooding risks — making stormwater management there a priority for local residents.
Next Steps and Outlook
As of early 2025, renewed talks with the property owner suggest openness to a “fair market value” offer in the $13-14 million range. The county now needs two independent appraisals before proceeding. Any purchase price above the average appraisal will require an extraordinary vote by the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Neunder remains hopeful: “I think it’s a wonderful project if we could just get to the right price. There could be some synergy there with our parks and stormwater departments... to create a walkable, open space park near Siesta Key would be awesome.”
Sarasota County’s thoughtful approach to balancing environmental needs, community desires, and fiscal responsibility will be crucial as this promising project moves forward. If successful, the Gulf Gate golf course site could become a landmark example of resilience and sustainable urban planning in the region.
