County considers offers for surplus land

Sarasota County commissioners next week will consider two very different concepts for a government-owned slice of land just east of I-75.

Jetro Cash & Carry, a New York City-based wholesale retailer, has offered $1.75 million for 10 acres of county surplus land at the corner of Apex Road and Palmer Boulevard, which is southwest of the Celery Fields. Commissioners will also consider a $1.8 million offer from developer Jim Gabbert to build a recycling center and waste transfer station.

Staff will recommend moving forward with the bid from Jetro, which when open will serve restaurant owners in the region.

Benderson Development bought the most recent county-owned surplus land offering, which is just north of the Palmer Road property, for $3 million in 2014. The firm announced this week it would be moving forward with plans for an industrial park on that parcel.