Thanks for the replies Loren. I always assume it takes a lot more work to put a decent organized event together than just site shopping, but not having and experience, it is/was the first place I started: finding potential locations. I'm still interested in any answers to my original question:
I'm assuming based on your response that you have tried something similar and got rebuffed. Seems a shame, especially here in Florida where there are so many abandoned and unfinished housing developments. Of course they would require proper scouting to determine the viability of the surface and surroundings for an event, but I'm betting some of them might be very promising in that respect, especially for rally-x or rally-inspired single stage event.

Also, while I'm scouting for event locations generally, I'm less interested in foraging out more auto-x type venues. I've come to the realization that while I lament the current lack of events in the Sarasota area, driving an hour or so to GCAC or FAST events isn't that big a deal, and it's worth taking advantage of their established organization and resources. But, and I might just be wasting my efforts here, I would still like to see rally-x events become a viable option locally. I really need to talk to Jeff about his experience and perspective on the whole thing. If anyone knows the situation in this area, surely he does. But one thing at a time... still working to build more local interest and activity in general.