Rapid and uncoordinated development is a pressing concern for many Floridians today. Unrestricted growth can quickly change the face of a community, from a small cozy town to a string of multi-lane highways connecting walled subdivisions and big-box stores.

However, sustainable development, when done correctly, can have much the opposite effect, bringing citizens together to formulate a long-range vision to preserve and enhance the community at stake.

These are the concepts behind Sarasota County’s “State Road [SR] 776 Corridor Plan” that links the South Venice community to the town of Englewood. This innovative vision for SR 776 aspires to develop a “livable community” where residents are drawn together by welcoming greenways, nature preserves and an eco-friendly business corridor.

Community Input

Through extensive citizen surveys and public hearings, Englewood residents indicated that environmental preservation, traffic congestion and a “small community” atmosphere were the foremost concerns for their hometown. The corridor plan responds to these issues with strategies to preserve open spaces, develop community centers, provide alternative transportation and promote sustainable, resource-efficient development.

Mixed Use Development

The SR 776 Plan interweaves residential communities with business centers, creating a pedestrian friendly neighborhood where residents can walk or bike to work and shop. “Greenways” networking throughout the community provide an inviting outdoor space for exercise and recreation. A community bus line will serve as another convenient alternative to automobile transportation.

Eco-Business Corridor

The entire 8.5-mile stretch of the 776 corridor will be developed as an enterprise zone for eco-business and ecotourism. Eco-conscious companies devoted to sustainability will be invited to build in this uniquely progressive district. “Green” businesses will benefit from relocating to the corridor, where environmentally-friendly development will attract likeminded consumers. Learn more about Green Business.

Green Design

Energy-efficient, Florida-friendly design is encouraged for all new development along 776 in Englewood, following a “Key West” or “Florida Cracker” architectural style of broad awnings and wrap-around porches. A storefront improvement program will assist existing businesses to upgrade their look and incorporate green building features. Learn more about Green Building.

Habitat Preservation

Finally, the corridor plan will help to preserve the vital habitat of the gopher tortoise, indigo snake and Florida scrubjay—protected species that inhabit the adjacent pine scrub lands. By reducing automobile travel and requiring greenspace preservation, the plan will help minimize the impact of new development on these sensitive lands.

Ecotourism

An ecotourism initiative to attract low-impact visitors to the region will be developed, highlighting public lands such as Lemon Bay Park, an Audubon Bird Rookery and Manasota Scrub property. An Englewood environmental center is also planned, following the concept and design of the Florida House Learning Center in North Sarasota County. The hope is that SR 776 will attain designation as a “Florida Scenic Corridor” and become an established hub for green development and ecotourism, helping to focus community attention on protection of the region’s unique environmental resources. Learn more about Sarasota County's Ecotourism Initiative.

For more information on the SR 776 Corridor Plan, contact Brian Lichterman at 941-951-5104.