On 2 April 2025 Sarasota County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, celebrating the restoration of the historic Keith Farmhouse.

Thanks to grants from Florida’s Division of Historic Resources and $428,000 raised by Friends of Sarasota County Parks through their administration of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, the farmhouse has been fully restored and is now ready for the next phase – transformation into an interpretive center that will highlight the area’s history, archaeology and natural resources.

The farmhouse, originally built in 1916, is one of Sarasota County’s most significant historic structures, reflecting the county’s early development and cultural heritage. 

Seated are former and current Directors of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources: Walt Rothenbach, John McCarthy, Carolyn Brown, and Nicole Rissler.