Beruff’s firm buys Gulf Gate Golf Course

Despite still awaiting the Sarasota County Commission’s approval for redevelopment, U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Beruff’s firm has closed on the sale of the former Gulf Gate Golf Course.

Medallion Home bought 49 acres near South Tamiami Trail and Bispham Road for $3.9 million this month, according to filings made public on the Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website yesterday. The move comes after the Sarasota County Planning Commission endorsed the homebuilder’s plans to develop a 108-home gated community on the course May 5.

Hundreds of Gulf Gate residents had protested the plan’s density and privacy features with yard signs, postings on the Gulf Gate Community Association website and a sizable presence — all wearing red — at the May 5 meeting. 

“There is no reason for the current zoning to be changed,” said the GGCA in a statement on the website. “Current zoning respects the property rights of all by allowing for reasonable development of the golf course property while not overburdening the existing community.”

But, the Planning Commission ultimately recommended the County Commission approve the rezone at a meeting in July, based on the county’s future land use map encouraging infill, and the demand for golf course redevelopment statewide. Canadian homebuilder Mattamy Homes recently bought the 115-acre Sunrise Golf Club for such a project.

“You don’t like the name Carlos, but he’s doing a job — he’s a developer here,” said Planning Commissioner Jack Bispham told those in opposition during the meeting. “If it’s not him, it’s going to be one of the other guys (to develop the course).”