Ginn plans a $1 billion, mixed-use venture of single-family and multifamily homes; and an 18-hole golf course on the site.

Ginn officials couldn't be reached for comment at GlobeSt.com's publication deadline. But company representatives say developer Robert "Bobby" Ginn vigorously denies the charges and has invited the plaintiffs, elected county officials and the media to tour the site Jan 31 and examine the grounds for themselves.

Ginn has spent an estimated $2,000 on an independent investigation of the 1,500-acre Pine Island tract by Sarasota-based Archaeological Consultants Inc. The three-month study of the grounds and official county and state records found no evidence to indicate the site was a former Indian cemetery, according to Ginn representatives.