Big changes are coming to the southern edge of Wellen Park—and this time, it’s more than just planning. The Winchester Ranch Critical Area Plan (CAP) has officially been approved, and while construction hasn’t started just yet, recent developments show that the wheels are already turning on the first neighborhood.
Here’s everything we know so far—both from the County’s official plan and newly surfaced details from the developer and City of North Port.
What Is Winchester Ranch?
Spanning over 3,660 acres, Winchester Ranch is the next major chapter of growth in Wellen Park. Approved as a master-planned Critical Area Plan (CAP), it includes:
- 8,999 residential units
- 100,000 sq ft of commercial space
- 100,000 sq ft of industrial/office space
- A 60-acre school site, potential park land, public trails, and a fire/EMS station
- Nine distinct “Communities” (A–I), each requiring future rezoning approvals
It’s a massive, multi-decade project—with a buildout timeline stretching roughly 55 years—that will expand the southern border of Wellen Park all the way toward the Englewood Sports Complex and Boca Royale.
What’s New: First Neighborhood Already in Motion
While the full buildout will unfold over decades, the first neighborhood—Community A—is already being planned. According to a report by The Daily Sun, the developer has begun engineering work, environmental studies, and traffic planning for this initial phase. Though construction isn’t underway yet, these behind-the-scenes steps are major indicators that rezoning and development may begin soon.
Community A sits near the northeast portion of the plan, making it the first to connect with existing Wellen Park infrastructure like Preto Boulevard and West Villages Parkway.
Annexation into the City of North Port
One major update not found in the original plan: the developer is actively pursuing annexation into the City of North Port. If approved, this would transfer jurisdiction over the land from Sarasota County to the City—bringing utility oversight, permitting, and emergency services under North Port’s management.
For residents and future homeowners, this could mean:
- Faster development timelines (as planning aligns with city infrastructure)
- More cohesive utility and service delivery
- New parks, roads, and amenities brought online more efficiently
This annexation still needs formal approval, but the process is already in motion, and it marks a significant shift in how Winchester Ranch will be governed and built.
Environmental & Historical Preservation
The developer is required to preserve wildlife corridors, wetlands, and a documented archaeological site, in line with Sarasota County policy. Additionally:
- A public trail system will run throughout the communities, connecting to existing Wellen Park trails and the Englewood Sports Complex.
- A park site will be set aside for county use once 3,600 homes are built.
- Listed species surveys and floodplain protections are in place, especially given the area’s location in the Lemon Bay and Lower Myakka River watersheds.
Traffic and Road Improvements
One of the most pressing concerns for any major development is traffic—and Winchester Ranch is no exception. According to transportation studies, the project will generate nearly 70,000 additional daily trips at full buildout.
That’s why the plan includes:
- Widening of River Road, US 41, and SR 776
- Construction of internal roads like Preto Boulevard, Keyway Road, and West Villages Parkway
- Coordination with Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) to establish future bus routes and stops
These road improvements will unfold in phases and are tied to rezoning and development milestones in each of the nine planned communities.
Final Thoughts: What Happens Next?
Right now, no homes have been built, and no rezoning applications have officially been filed—but the first phase is clearly underway behind the scenes. Engineering work is happening now. Annexation is moving forward. And once the City of North Port finalizes its role, we may start seeing infrastructure development very soon.
This is one of the largest master-planned expansions in Wellen Park’s future. While the big picture will take decades to unfold, phase one is already starting to take shape.
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