Sheriff’s Office investigating apparent altercation in Skye Ranch between white male adults and young Black man

Video circulating in community recorded by Black man made during incident

This graphic shows the location of Skye Ranch. Image from Google Maps

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident that occurred on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Skye Ranch development located at the intersection of Clark and Lorraine roads, east of Interstate 75, it announced the evening of Oct. 15.

Sheriff’s Office personnel are “aware of a video circulating on various social media platforms” that are related to the incident, a news release said.

This is a link to the Reels video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/561462776349804

In viewing it, The Sarasota News Leader saw several white male adults following a young Black man, questioning why he was in that part of the neighborhood. One of the white men complained that the Black man had passed the white man’s house four times.

Others asked the Black man whether he lives in the area.

Detectives assigned to the case “are actively locating and interviewing witnesses” in regard to “what appears to be an altercation involving neighbors and a male subject who was recording himself as he was walking,” the Sheriff’s Office release explained.

The Sheriff’s Office “takes these matters seriously and will fully investigate any allegations of criminal activity,” the release stressed.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 941-316-1201 or its Investigations Bureau at 941-861-4900.

Skye Ranch is one of Sarasota County’s 2050 Plan developments, which are created under guidelines in a policy that dates to 2002.

The Sunshine State Company explains on its website, “Skye Ranch isn’t a working ranch but rather a … 1,000-acre master-planned community that prioritizes an integrated living experience. With a focus on nature, world-class amenities, and a variety of housing options, Skye Ranch caters to those seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle in sunny Sarasota.”

The company adds on that website, “No matter your stage of life or budget, Skye Ranch has a home that will suit your needs. The community features two distinct neighborhoods, Cassia at Skye Ranch and Esplanade at Skye Ranch, each offering a range of floor plans and architectural styles.”

Taylor Morrison, one of the builders constructing homes at Skye Ranch, notes this of the development: “Discover endless possibilities for fun and recreation at Skye Ranch. From The Hub to Turner Community Park to miles of community trails, you will always find adventure or a place to simply relax. This is the perfect place to soak up the sun during the day and take in the starry sky at night.”

This county graphic shows the North County developments approved under the 2050 Plan guidelines, including Skye Ranch. Image courtesy Sarasota County

On the Skye Ranch Facebook page, the News Leader did find the following comments:

  • “Heard this place is super welcoming to people. Especially if you are out walking. You can even say hello to a neighbor and be given an escort through the neighborhood. Hell, one guy may even stop someone from shooting you.”
  • “Doxxing people to cover for racists in your community is not a good look. Especially when that doxxing is an FHA (Federal Housing Administration] violation. Y’all about to get a fun ride through the

federal court system. Hopefully the HOA [homeowners association] has enough in reserve to handle to lawsuit or else they may have to dissolve.”

“Dox” means to “search for and publish private or identifying information about (a particular individual) on the internet, typically with malicious intent,” the Oxford Languages Dictionary explains.

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