Albritton Fruit Farms, a staple for local families in Sarasota County for its blueberry and flower picking experiences, has transitioned ownership to Sarasota County's Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex in a deal finalized for $19 million. The acquisition of the farm's 341 acres, situated just south of S.R. 72 east of I-75, marks a significant expansion for the county's waste management facilities, which already encompass approximately 6,000 acres directly south of the newly purchased land. A portion of this land is currently utilized as a county landfill.
The county's interest in the Albritton property dates back to 2004 when an agreement was made with Albritton Groves Ltd. for the purchase of around 1,000 acres, including a first-right-to-purchase option for adjacent lands. This agreement came to fruition in 2022 when the county was informed of Albritton's intention to sell an additional 341 acres.
Sarah Albritton, related to the farm's ownership, previously discussed the challenges faced by modern farmers, attributing the international fruit market's competitiveness and the impact of the Mexican berry market on local farming economics as key factors in their decision to sell.
Despite concerns from neighboring communities regarding potential noise and traffic from the project, the county has clarified that the newly acquired land will not serve as a landfill. Instead, it will be utilized to provide soil for covering waste at the existing landfill site, a practice aimed at controlling pests, odors, and litter. Sarasota County plans to finance the purchase through revenue bonds, which will be repaid over 15 years with funds from disposal service fees among other sources. This strategy is projected to save county residents up to $50 million over approximately 27 years by reducing the need for soil importation and associated transportation costs.
County spokespersons have emphasized that the project is not an extension of the landfill but a proactive measure for waste management, promising significant savings and reduced dump truck traffic on public roads. The county seeks to inform and involve the community as the project progresses.
Source: Sarasota Magazine