White Buffalo owner mulls plans for nearby property

Mike Evanoff butted heads with Sarasota County over more than $200,000 in impact fees while opening the White Buffalo Saloon in 2012. He doesn’t plan on running into any problems with another project about 500 feet north of the line-dancing mecca.

“I have some interest right now for an upscale gun rage and a gun shop,” Evanoff said of a new 21,600-square-foot warehouse and office planned for 5201 McIntosh Road. But, that’s just one of the options he’s considering, one of which includes an indoor surf park.

“I have made any final decisions yet — I’m still playing with ideas,” Evanoff said. He bought the 1.7-acre parcel for $166,000 in November, according to the Sarasota County property records.

The prolific property owner has found success in a variety of entertainment venues, including White Buffalo, Evie’s Tavern in downtown Sarasota and Evie’s Family Golf Center, which includes a driving range and miniature golf course. Evanoff is in the process of opening a new sports bar and bowling alley on Main Street — slated to go under construction soon — and retooling the Evie’s Tavern location on Ringling as Office Bar SRQ.

Although he sparred with county planning staff over impact fees that were eventually reduced to $90,000 while trying to open White Buffalo, Evanoff said he doesn’t currently foresee similar difficulties with the current plans. The Sarasota County Development Review Committee vetted a pre-submittal for the project Jan. 8.

“We will see what happens when it gets closer to developing,” Evanoff said. “Before I plan on doing anything I will make sure I know the use, and what the fees are.”