Live Local Act Sparks Development Surge and Community Debate

The Live Local Act is driving a wave of development applications across Sarasota County, with 18 submitted including on Siesta Key and Venice. A CONA meeting on Aug 11 in Venice highlighted legal challenges: 2025 amendment opened OUE/OUR zones, four lawsuits challenging denials, county has put projects on hold. This policy is reshaping growth and density in the region, with both opportunities and neighborhood opposition.