Suncoast Searchlight

Judge Deals Death Blow to Sarasota County’s Fight Against Live Local Act

A circuit judge ruled that Sarasota County must allow a proposed development of more than 600 apartments near the Celery Fields to move forward under Florida's Live Local Act.

11/06/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

Development

Sarasota County Rejects D.R. Horton Settlement, Pursues Land Purchase Next to Celery Fields

After rejecting a settlement allowing 126 homes, commissioners directed staff to negotiate a possible purchase of roughly 51 acres beside the Celery Fields.

10/08/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Suncoast Searchlight

Sarasota County Sued Over Live Local Projects

Sarasota County's attempt to stop thousands of apartments from being built in rural communities is now facing the legal challenge the county attorney warned was likely all along.

06/15/2026 By Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight

In Fine Feather

It’s Peak Birding Season Look for These Migrating 'Lifer' Birds Making a Stop in Sarasota

At the Celery Fields and in woodland areas like Pinecraft Park, you’ll spot numerous kinds of birds, from jaw-droppingly colorful painted buntings to chicken-like soras and flashy scarlet tanagers.

11/05/2025 By Megan McDonald

10 Major Philanthropic Moments

From big gifts to grassroots campaigns, here are 10 of the year’s major philanthropic moments with huge community impact.

09/01/2025 By Lauren Jackson

48 Hours in Sarasota

Indulge Your Wild Side During 48 Thrill-Filled Hours in Sarasota

Water sports, wildlife and the great outdoors are front and center and, from up high to down low, Sarasota can pack the punch thrillseekers crave.

11/06/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Development

A Developer Wants to Build 170 New Homes Next to the Celery Fields. Environmentalists Are Concerned.

Negotiations are underway to rezone 26 acres of land known as Smith Farm to facilitate its sale to Arlington, Texas-based D.R. Horton.

10/13/2023 By Jim DeLa/Community News Collaborative

Trees, Please

Sarasota County's First Micro Forest Has Macro Impact

Local groups are fighting climate change by planting micro forests. You can see the first local one at the Celery Fields, where it doubles as an outdoor classroom.

11/29/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Grant Report

Selby Foundation Awards $250,000 Grant to Selby Gardens for Palm Avenue Restoration

Plus, Mote's sea turtle hospital receives a grant to help turtles with tumors and Arts Advocates awards $20,000 in scholarships to 10 students.

05/23/2022 By Staff

Conservation

Willis Smith Joins Project Team at the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields

The Quad Parcels project will create a new habitat to attract more birds and provide additional public opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.

10/04/2021 By Staff

Conservation

Conservation Foundation, Audubon Society Move Forward With Quad Parcels

The 33 acres will buffer the western edge of the environmentally sensitive Celery Fields.

04/06/2021 By Staff

Growing Up

A Glimpse Into Sarasota's Rich Agricultural History

How our region's soil has shaped our history and present day.

03/02/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Meetings

Council of Neighborhood Associations to Discuss Celery Fields

The meeting will take place at the Waldemere Street Firehouse meeting room on Friday, Nov. 8.

11/04/2019 By Staff

Flashback

Flashback: Celery Fields, 1930s

The rich muckland in east Sarasota has been important agriculturally and ecologically for more than 100 years.

06/30/2019 By Kay Kipling

Environment

National Audubon President to Speak in Sarasota

David Yarnold will discuss sea level rise, climate change and the Audubon Society's role in Florida.

03/01/2018 By Staff

Planning

County Commission to Discuss Recycling Facility Near Celery Fields Wednesday

The commission is set to discuss whether to rezone 16 acres of property near the Celery Fields to allow for the construction of a recycling center.

08/18/2017 By staff

Environment

Plan to Sell Public Land Near Celery Fields to Be Discussed Monday

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations is hosting a discussion of the Sarasota County Planning Commission's recent decision to recommend denial of plans to sell public land adjacent to the Celery Fields.

06/08/2017 By staff

Tweet, Tweet

This is the Best Spot for Bird-Watching in Sarasota

The Celery Fields are a hub for bird life.

11/30/2016 By David Hackett

Article

New Audubon Center Opens at Sarasota's Celery Fields

Bird lovers will be delighted to hear this.

09/01/2015 By Hannah Wallace

Sarasota Magazine

Celery Fields