North Port, county OK planning deal; Sarasota voters will have the final say on the city's growth in a March charter vote.(A SECTION)

Byline: PATRICK WHITTLE and JOHN DAVIS STAFF WRITERS

NORTH PORT -- The future of South Sarasota County growth is likely to go to the voters.

County leaders hailed Tuesday's passage of a planning accord with North Port as a landmark document that will guide growth and development decisions for the next 25 years.

Sarasota County has long sought to reel in North Port's growth, which some officials say threatens to overwhelm the county's ability to provide roads, water and schools.

But Tuesday's agreement, while addressing some of those concerns, might not last the year.

Sarasota County agreed to allow North Port to opt out of the agreement if voters approve an amendment to the county's charter in March that would give the county control over how many homes …