PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -- The Charlotte County Commission has voted to let a developer build residential and commercial property on Babcock Ranch, a swath of pristine, undeveloped land in southwest Florida.

The deal was approved on a 4-1 vote Tuesday. Kitson & Partners will be allowed to build 17,800 residential units and 6 million square feet of office and commercial space on the forest and wetlands as part of a deal to preserve most of the ranch.

About 14,000 acres of the ranch is in Charlotte County. The remaining 77,000 acres of the ranch is in Lee County.

"I look at the bigger picture," said Commissioner Matt DeBoer. "I think the opportunity before us is a fantastic opportunity."

The deal also requires that the state buy almost 74,000 acres for $350 million. The Legislature will decide whether to pay for the acquisition by early May. Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet support the purchase to prevent development on that land.

Ruby Daniels, of Alva, said her neighbors are not happy about the proposed development.

"They express dismay that our rural character and country way of life are being eroded," Daniels said.

The ranch is home to Florida panthers, bobcats, deer, black bears, reptiles and many bird species.

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Information from: Charlotte Sun, and AP