Council approves first readings for Curry Lane annexation and land‑use changes for medical office site

The Venice City Council approved on Dec. 9 the first readings of a package of ordinances to annex and reassign the future land use and zoning for a 5‑acre parcel at 2805 Curry Lane, where the applicant proposes a medical office building to support the nearby hospital campus.

Senior planner Nicole Trumbly told council the property is consistent with the Joint Planning Agreement's Area 6 guidance and that staff found the annexation and related comprehensive plan amendment consistent with state statutes and the city’s comprehensive plan. "The request with this petition is to annex about 5 acres into the city's jurisdiction," Trumbly said during the staff presentation.

The applicant's representative, Marty Black, and consultants said the proposal is consistent with prior Curry Lane projects and noted an outstanding stormwater concern on Curry Lane that will be addressed through a stipulation attached to zoning: the city would not issue a certificate of occupancy until the Southwest Florida Water Management District confirms that permit deviations causing localized flooding have been resolved. City engineer John Kramer told council that revised submittals had been filed with the water management district and that staff believes the district’s review is progressing.

Council approved Ordinance 2025‑37 (annexation), Ordinance 2025‑38 (future land‑use amendment) and Ordinance 2025‑39 (zoning map amendment) on first reading, all by unanimous vote. Councilmembers emphasized the need for the applicant to honor the stipulation on the certificate of occupancy to ensure Curry Lane stormwater matters are resolved before occupancy.

Next steps: The ordinances were set for final readings; the zoning stipulation about the certificate of occupancy will remain linked to the site plan review and SWFWMD confirmation.