Important Update: County proposed use of golf course as regional storm water retention facility
- FLCCE HOA
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
You have received copies of two letters drafted by our attorney with updates regarding communications with Sarasota County. A third letter is attached. As a reminder, we are neither the owner, nor seller of the Palms Golf Course. However, we do have a legal Covenant agreement signed by the owner of the golf course and the Forest Lakes HOA, which defines and protects the use of the land.
The Covenant runs with the land, and is applicable to all potential buyers, including the County. There are two clearly defined uses: one for a golf course and the second for a defined open space.
It is due to this definition of open space that we have proactively communicated (regarding the tentative purchase of the golf course), with the potential buyer, Sarasota County.
Early in the acquisition process, our attorney began pursuing the necessity of the County to address the needs of residents: continued safety, maintenance, and aesthetics to maintain property values.
We are currently in disagreement with the County. The County confirms the validity of our Covenant. Yet, they believe their proposed use of a regional stormwater facility does not require the approval of the residents within our Association. Our attorney believes otherwise. The Association Board has voted unanimously to defend the Covenant.
In this regard, there is a plan being implemented. Please anticipate that the HOA Board may be reaching out to you for your participation in various aspects of the legal defense process. Key steps in this will be to pay your membership fee, and attend the January 10th Annual Meeting (10 AM at South Gate Community Center). Please mark your calendar.
Please note, that while our time is offered voluntarily, our attorney’s time is expensive. It is only with legal support and directive that we can proactively pursue input into this potentially significant land sale, which will affect us all.
Please become a member today and help us defend our property values with the legal support required to do so.
12/4/25 letter to County re HOA's disagreement and opposition to County's position:
10/8/25 letter to County re changes in allowable uses are subject to consent of 75% of HOA members: