- June 2, 2026
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Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved a nearly $1.69 million project to expand Nokomis Community Park in south Sarasota County. To do so, they agreed to buy a 1.01-acre property on Nash Avenue from Maiden Lane Property LLC for $1.37 million.
Adjacent to Nokomis Community Park, the vacant land includes 145 feet of creek frontage on Curry Creek. There is a mangrove fringe along the shoreline, while the property's native vegetation also includes live oak; laurel oak; cabbage palms; and white, red and black mangroves.
“Acquisition of the property would provide an opportunity to enhance and expand the adjacent Nokomis Community Park and provide potential water access to Curry Creek and Roberts Bay,” interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Shawn Yeager wrote in a June 2 memo to county commissioners. Potential improvements may include a walking path, picnic areas and water access, including fishing and wildlife observation; in addition, the community garden in Nokomis Community Park adjacent to the property could be expanded.
“If acquired, a concept plan would be developed for the property that would also incorporate it into the adjacent Nokomis Community Park,” Yeager wrote.
Commissioners agreed to acquire the property and fund the startup project and operating impacts for $1.69 million. Funds will come from the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program/Neighborhood Parkland Program ad valorem tax, while ongoing operating and maintenance costs will be covered by the Environmentally Sensitive Land Fund.
The Nash Avenue property owner, Ken McKeithen, who is listed in state records as the manager of Maiden Lane Property LLC, spoke during Tuesday’s commission meeting to explain why he nominated his land for inclusion in the parkland program.
“I am a homebuilder out of Bradenton. We purchased that lot several years ago with the intent of building a single-family home there,” McKeithen said. He and his business partner “weren't really interested in selling it,” he added, though “we have been approached by some other developers looking at some multifamily, and…we really didn't go any further with that.”
McKeithen said he and his wife use Nokomis Community Park to go kayaking, so “we see how much people enjoy it” and “would love to see that park grow.”
He nominated the property for inclusion in the Sarasota County Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program in August. The Parks Advisory and Recreation Council approved that in September.
Two appraisals were obtained, and the purchase price was negotiated.
Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger called the property a “great addition” that he said would get a “lot of good use over the years.”
Due diligence must be complete by Aug. 1, while closing papers are due on or before Aug. 31.
