Event to be held at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club in Sarasota
On Saturday, April 26, during its annual meeting, the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County will present its first Distinguished Public Service Award to former Sarasota County Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates, the League has announced.
“This award will honor local leaders who exemplify professionalism, integrity, and outstanding service to our community,” a news release explains.
“During her remarkable tenure,” the release says of Ford-Coates, “she spearheaded significant improvements to the department that became known for efficient and friendly service.” The release notes that she served as the tax collector from 1984 to 2024.
“In addition to her official role as Sarasota County Tax Collector,” the release continues, “Barbara Ford-Coates has been the treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, served on the board of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and has been an advisor to Girl Scout Troop 254. In 2008, she was recognized as the Outstanding Tax Collector in the United States, and in 2016 was named by Thomson Reuters as a Public Sector Champion for Excellence in Office Leadership.”
Shawn Bartelt, president of the Sarasota County Chapter of the League of Women Voters, said in the release, “Barbara Ford-Coates’ record of service to our community is inspiring. She exemplifies the importance of civic engagement, a principle upon which the League was founded. We are grateful for her service.”
The annual meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26 at Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, which is located at 8801 Stoneybrook Blvd. in Sarasota. A Sarasota News Leader midday check on April 14 found that a limited number of spaces remained available for that event. Registration is required.
“The League of Women Voters, a national grassroots nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy,” the release explains.