Sarasota couple continues fight against Lakewood Ranch expansion: ‘Keep the country, country’
SARASOTA, Fla. - Despite a judge siding in favor of Sarasota County commissioners and their decision to change a 20-year comprehensive plan that would allow thousands of new homes to be built as part of a Lakewood Ranch expansion, a Sarasota couple plans to continue fighting for their way of life.
Eileen Fitzgerald and Mike Hutchinson have lived in Bern Creek Ranches on 10 acres of land for decades.
"You can do for yourself here. We maintain everything and everybody does. It’s a choice, and we think that other people should have that choice," Fitzgerald explained.
"Back in the late 70s and early 80s the county commissioners that we had at that time thought this would be a great way to live out here, and so they zoned it that way and a lot of us out here moved out here based on that," said Hutchinson.
The couple believes their way of life is being threatened by future development of Lakewood Ranch.
"When you talk to almost anyone in town and tell them what we are doing they all approve," said Hutchinson.
The couple sued Sarasota County after commissioners made changes to the county’s 20-year-old comprehensive plan.
Pictured: Eileen Fitzgerald and Mike Hutchinson
The changes allow for a "village transition zone" and upwards of 5,000 homes on 4,100 acres of land.
The construction would come less than 1,300 feet away from their door.
The couple presented their case in July 2023 during a hearing. They argue that urban sprawl, including additional traffic and the impacts on important environmental resources, would impact their way of life.
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Judge Hetal Desai recently sided with Sarasota County, saying in her ruling she found the ordinance is "in compliance" with state law.
"I can’t believe that the judge ruled the way she did. I think it’s devastating for the history of the state of Florida to not have communities that are over 100 years old preserved and recognized for their importance," said Becky Ayech.
Pictured: Becky Ayech
Becky Ayech has fought this fight for decades. She has worked to "keep the country, country."
"I fear that we will be paved over with urban development, they won’t understand our lifestyles, and they’ll try to get rid of us. They’ll try to put stores everywhere, they’ll try to put limitations on the types of animals we can have," she said.
Hutchinson and Fitzgerald aren’t finished yet. The couple’s attorney is in the process of filing objections to Judge Desai’s ruling.
It’ll eventually go to the Department of Commerce to make a final decision.
From there, either party can still appeal.
Litigation could last well in 2025.