Venice Board to Examine Plan Details for Cassata Oaks and Vistera

Key Information

• Developments Discussed: Cassata Oaks (60 homes) and Phase 2 of Vistera (190 homes).
• Planning Commission Meeting: Scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Venice City Hall.
• Public Hearing: Scheduled for mediated settlement for lawsuit on Aug. 26; Phase 2 homes are not included in the lawsuit.

Venice Planning Commission Reviews Key Developments

VENICE – The Venice Planning Commission will review plans for two significant northeast Venice developments during its Tuesday meeting. The agenda includes a preliminary plat for Cassata Oaks, a 60-home development just north of Fox Lea Farm, and the second phase of Vistera, which includes 190 homes in the larger 1,300-home planned development.

These discussions will be preceded by a public hearing related to a proposed self-storage facility located at 2114 Border Road, positioned east of Interstate 75 and west of Jacaranda Boulevard, near the southern entrance to Vistera.

Cassata Oaks: Construction and Negotiations

The Cassata Oaks development, strategically located north of the Fox Lea Farm Equestrian Center, faced zoning establishment challenges over nearly eight years due to concerns about its impact on equestrian events. The project was approved by the City Council last September, led by developer Mike Miller from Auburn Road FC, LLC, after significant negotiations around the zoning for the 39.6-acre site.

Notably, the late Frank Cassata, Miller’s former partner, acquired the property in May 2022, resolving prior legal disputes regarding zoning requests.

Fox Lea is a crucial component of the local sports tourism economy, generating approximately 30,000 room nights annually for visitors involved in equestrian competitions. To mitigate the impact of the new development on the equestrian center, various restrictions have been introduced, including prohibiting on-site burning of construction debris and reducing noise from power tools and outdoor speakers.

Phase 2 of Vistera: Upcoming Additions

The proposed Phase 2 addition to Vistera aims to create new lots for single-family homes in the southwest section of the planned development, near Border Road. Historically, this land was part of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation but was repurposed for residential development under the guidance of developer Pat Neal.

Previously, 24 acres were shifted from the Milano planned development to Vistera, facilitating a request to add 317 homes to the existing plans. However, the Venice City Council denied this request in April 2024, leading to a lawsuit by Border Road Investments, LLC, and Vistera Associates, LLC. A public hearing is scheduled for a mediated settlement on August 26; importantly, the homes in Phase 2 of Vistera are not part of this lawsuit.

The Planning Commission’s meeting is set for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Venice City Hall, with significant developments on the agenda for discussion and community input.