The proposal for Winchester Ranch, an expansive master-planned community with 8,999 homes, has pushed Sarasota County into one of the most consequential planning debates in its recent history. With the Sarasota County Planning Commission voting to recommend approval, the project now moves toward a final decision by county commissioners in 2026. What lies ahead is not merely procedural—it is a defining moment for the region’s environmental future, economic identity, and long-term livability.
The Road to Approval: A Long Process Still in Motion
Although the Planning Commission’s endorsement represents a significant milestone, Winchester Ranch remains far from final approval. The project must undergo additional public hearings, traffic and infrastructure…..