2015 Issues to Watch: Osprey revitalization

Bisected by U.S. 41, Osprey sits in the center of Sarasota County, edged by luxury areas such as Palmer Ranch and Casey Key. Historically, Osprey has been known as a small fishing village. But that image is changing.

“Osprey … I think it’s wanted to see revitalization and we’re starting to see it. It’s an important gateway for us,” said County Commissioner Christine Robinson.

Benderson Development purchased Southbay Shopping Center, the plaza just south of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Blackburn Point Road, in 2012 for $1.6 million. Businesses have started to move in, such as Norma Jean’s Sports Bar and Grill, which opened in November.

“Once Benderson got it, it started to improve,” Robinson said, adding that she can’t remember the last time the strip mall was as full as it is now. Besides Norma Jean’s, the plaza is home to other businesses including Dollar Tree, Richard’s Food Emporium and Tuesday Morning.

In the last six months, the Sarasota County Commission approved a pet resort for an Osprey parcel of land that was previously in blighted condition and a 31-home development, the Palms at Casey Key, for an unoccupied parcel on Old Venice Road.

Another major project revitalizing Osprey is the Blackburn Point Park expansion, which was 50% complete as of November. The $4.5 million, 16-acre project includes a new boat ramp, restrooms and a new fishing pier, which are tentatively schedule to be complete by March. Sarasota Crew has also purchased a parcel of land in Osprey with hopes of developing new facilities for its rowing teams.

Although smaller-scale, the Osprey fishing pier was rebuilt this year, reopening in the fall after being closed since 2012 for repairs. The pier was once a vital part of the community and a historic reminder of the town’s former life as a commercial fishing community.

“Since the pier was finished, there’s always someone here,” said Bill Hanson, a 30-year resident of Osprey. He often walks down to the pier for exercise and to enjoy the water.

Resident reconnaissance
Doug Clarke, owner of The Hoosier Bar and a 30-year Osprey resident, said there hasn’t been enough change, however.

Getting the pier back was great, Clarke said, but there’s no park there and limited space for parking. He also wants more streetlights and sidewalks for his town, which he thinks has been skipped over.
“Nokomis has brick crosswalks,” he said. “What’s wrong with Osprey?”

“There hasn’t been much change. I’d like to see some more,” he said. “Can we fix the place up a little?”
Jon Thaxton, former Sarasota County commissioner and lifelong Osprey resident, said the historic fishing village that was once a small, quaint community, is searching for a new identity.

He remembers the smaller houses that populated the town when he was growing up. His friend’s grandfather lived in such a house — it had dirt floors.

“Osprey used to be one of the poorest zip codes in Sarasota County,” he said.

Now, thanks to luxury developments in Palmer Ranch, The Oaks Club and Casey Key, the area is now one of the wealthiest, Thaxton said. There is also more diversity in terms Osprey residents’ household income, he said.

“It’s a transformation,” he said. “Development for the large part has been positive, but I miss a lot of the old Osprey.”

One of the most positive trends he’s noticed in Osprey is the resurgence of parkland and the continued addition and expansion of parks there, such as Blackburn Point Park, after Osprey’s main park and ball fields were sold to The Oaks in the ’70s.

“The parkland experience has come full circle,” he said. “These are good trends, and I hope they continue.”
 

FACTS FOR ’15
The issue: Osprey has started seeing progressive revitalization after the Sarasota County Commission approved several projects.

Why you should care: Once a vibrant fishing village, Osprey faded away when its community park and school were demolished. Now it’s seeing an uptick in growth.

WHAT’s NEXT: Blackburn Point Park expansion and other projects are slated for completion in 2015.