Tampa firm may redevelop defunct golf course

Tampa-based GNP Development Partners may acquire a mortgage loan secured by a defunct golf course in North Port and redevelop the overgrown property.

Ground maintenance was suspended in May 2015 when the previous operator closed the 18-hole golf course. GNP has been negotiating to buy the Wells Fargo Bank mortgage on the property.

Rather than resurrect the 18-hole course, GNP instead would build a nine-hole executive golf course plus a new driving range and clubhouse, along with 200 to 300 single-family homes, Mark Gerenger, managing partner of GNP, told the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

“It’s not feasible to maintain or put together an 18-hole golf course,” he told the newspaper.

GNP could acquire the Wells Fargo mortgage, and take control of the property, by late July if owners of nearby homes support the Tampa firm’s redevelopment plan.

In particular, GNP is seeking support from the Sabal Trace Homeowners Alliance, which represents about 1,200 residents of homes around the golf course. [Sarasota Herald Tribune] — Mike Seemuth