The Celery Fields are a gift of Nature that deserves to be protected and nurtured. We Sarasota County citizens own 33 acres of public land next to this magnificent park.

Unfortunately, our elected officials are still seriously considering selling two of these public parcels for industrial use. Meanwhile, they keep approving plans for new gated communities that will span thousands of acres of rural East Sarasota from University Parkway down to 681 near Venice.

This is our one opportunity to shield our pristine birding and recreational area from polluting industrialization. In concert with 50 nearby homeowners associations, Fresh Start has been working for nine months on community-friendly ideas for our public lands.

If these adjacent public lands were united in theme and vision with the Celery Fields, this Gateway to East Sarasota County would be redefined for future generations

Sarasota County: We urge you to acknowledge this rare opportunity for public good. Do NOT sell our public lands to private developers. Protect and enhance the Celery Fields Area for all the people of Sarasota.