Last call for submissions: Sarasota County seeks name ideas for Walton Ranch site

Sarasota County is accepting submissions on names for the Walton Ranch site, located east of Myakka State Park. 

The county purchased the land in July 2010 for $22.8 million. The 3,760-acre nature site, which was once a cattle ranch, is being developed by the county for a large-scale park. Although work is being done to construct trails, camping and other recreational activities, the county hopes to have the park open to the public in May.

The naming submission ends Monday. The county has listed three criteria for evaluating submissions:

•Geographic location: a name clearly located or associated with a distinct part of the county, such as the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve (named after Deer Prairie Creek).

•Historical value: a name with specific historical significance to the county, such as Old Miakka Preserve. 

•Individual or group: a submittal for the park to be named after a group or individual must be a well-known community leader, a group or individual who has positively influenced a large part of the county; someone who was majorly involved in the aquisition or development of the property; or someone whose civic leadership contributed to the betterment of the community.

Submittals must include an explanation why the name is a good candidate for the park. Only residents and groups within Sarasota County can submit a suggestion. 

Email submissions to Brie Ondercin, county park planner, at [email protected].