Land use changes for a mixed-use development that will bring 500 homes, 300 hotel rooms and related commercial space to Palmer Ranch at a future I-75 exit for State Road 681 received unanimous approval from the Sarasota County Commission on Dec. 16.
The hour-long public hearing on four land-use changes for the final increment of the massive Palmer Ranch Development of Regional Impact proved to be less dramatic than when the Sarasota County Planning Commission recommended approval on a split, 6-1 vote.
Then, a parade of area residents — including Elizabeth and Joseph Neunder, the parents of County Commissioner Joe Neunder — voiced opposition to developing the 138-acre parcel, which is bounded by I-75 to the east, Honore Avenue to the west and State Road 681 to the north…