SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- Conditional funding has been approved by a state agency to go towards an brand new spring training facility near North Port for the Atlanta Braves.
Sarasota County announced Friday that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has conditionally approved $20 million for the project, planned for the West Villages community between North Port and Venice.
Officials say this is the final piece of funding necessary to get the project started.
A final review of the plans are scheduled for September 12th, involving the City of North Port, Sarasota County, and the West Villages Improvement District.
If approved, construction will be permitted to start with plans for the facility to open in 2019.
The project is expected to cost about $75 to $80 million. Sarasota County has committed about $22 million from a tourist development tax.
