The North Port Thomas Ranch Real Estate Disaster Continues to Unfold

Accrding to the Port Charlotte Sun Herald (see article below), the Publix shopping center at the Thomas Ranch has been put on hold. The whole Thomas Ranch project is increasingly becoming a disaster for all participants. Then combine this with the collapse of Pulte's Sarasota National project next door, you have a world of hurt for the zone straddling US 41 between Jacaranda Blvd and River Road.

"NORTH PORT -- The downturn in the economy has led to troubled times for Thomas Enterprises, the largest developer in the West Villages Improvement District.

"City officials say a representative for the developer -- Stan Thomas of Newnan, Ga. -- recently retrieved plans for a Publix supermarket that was scheduled to be built in The Prado at the West Villages, a shopping center proposed for U.S. 41 on the west end of North Port.

"That project, which Thomas Enterprises spokesman Bruce Williams said several months ago was to begin in January, has now been delayed due to the downturn in the economy and the lack of residential construction in the area, according to Publix spokesperson Shannon Patten."

For more, see Monday's Sun or E-Edition