North Port Moves to Annex 3,000-Acre Winchester Ranch Development
North Port, FL – April 22, 2025 — The City of North Port is pursuing the annexation of Winchester Ranch, a planned 3,000-acre development that spans both sides of South River Road. The effort is supported by developers from Wellen Park and would bring the full project within the city’s limits.
Winchester Ranch is expected to feature thousands of homes, commercial space, parks, and other amenities. Annexing the property would allow North Port to take on planning and infrastructure responsibilities for the entire development, ensuring consistency with the city’s growth and land-use strategies.
The annexation is part of North Port’s broader initiative to manage population growth and coordinate large-scale developments in southern Sarasota County. Bringing Winchester Ranch into city jurisdiction would simplify permitting processes, align utility and service planning, and facilitate long-term investment in the area.
The proposal remains in preliminary stages, requiring public input, environmental reviews, and formal approval by the City Commission. If finalized, the annexation would represent one of the largest expansions of North Port’s boundaries in recent years.
City staff are preparing to present detailed plans in upcoming meetings.