Homebuilders gobble up Sarasota land for new communities

In a move that highlights the continued strength of the region's homebuilding industry, a pair of Gulf Coast builders have purchased more than 550 Sarasota County acres for new communities.

Taylor Morrison and Pulte Home Corp. bought the separate tracts late last month for a combined $63.74 million, county property records show.

The prices represent two of the largest residential land purchases in the county in the past year, according to data.