December 26, 2025 Edition ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 1 January: New School Speed Zone Safety Program underway in city of Sarasota Residents on portion of Phillippi Creek just east of U.S. 41 in Sarasota beg County Commission to dredge sandbars blocking water flow, leading to significant flooding of homes County Commissioner Knight stresses need for ‘bold decisions’ as board members address options for keeping floodwater out of homes during future storms Sarasota city commissioners agree to add ‘plainly audible’ standard to revised Sound Ordinance Water and wastewater capacity fees to rise March 1 in Sarasota County to help cover expense of new infrastructure for population growth WCIND designates Midnight Pass a navigable waterway, as Sarasota County commissioners had requested February: On split votes, County Commission approves rezoning petitions for nearly 2,400 new homes in Lakewood Ranch Southeast On unanimous vote, County Commission denies rezoning petition for 126-home development next to Celery Fields County Commission halts staff work on Jan. 28 transportation issues agreement with Hi Hat Ranch master developer 2024 storms’ effects on tourist accommodations has led to lower ‘bed tax’ revenue so far this fiscal year, chief deputy tax collector tells Tourist Development Council With 3 commissioners opposing rezoning of latest project area for Lakewood Ranch Southeast, developer seeks and wins approval of 65-day continuance March: Sarasota’s chief planner cautions project team for proposed Adagio mixed-use complex to consider ‘reducing bulk and massing’ of buildings that would front on Ringling Boulevard and Palm and Pineapple avenues In wake of accusations regarding county administrator’s ethics, County Commission gives Lewis unanimous vote of confidence Overall crime drops 21.8% in city of Sarasota in 2024 With Benderson Development seeking to buy historic Scott Building from Sarasota County, commissioners first want more information from tenant, Architecture Sarasota April: Majority of County Commission agrees to Hi Hat Ranch deal regarding widening of segment of Bee Ridge Road and construction of access road to development area County’s Public Works director springs news on City Commission that county plans to return stormwater responsibilities to city staff On split vote, County Commission agrees to put hold on any action related to potential sale of 261 S. Orange Ave. property for 18 months On split vote, County Commission ends agreement with Suncoast Builders Association for trades career training program partly funded by federal grant Thaxton finally wins county Planning Commission seat May: On 4-1 vote, County Commission finally approves latest Lakewood Ranch Southeast project area Sarasota City Commission majority agrees to start city manager search ‘from scratch’ Obsidian project derailed with City Commission vote Higher level of service for county waterway maintenance to be provided, County Commission agrees Bullock to become interim Sarasota city manager on May 27 June: Preliminary county, city property values mark smaller increases than in recent years County administrator directed to create standalone Stormwater Department EPA issues modified permit for ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast 4-lane Lorraine Road extension south of Clark Road to Knights Trail Road remains top County Commission road priority Confusion arises after Phillippi Creek residents learn county administrator said Army Corps of Engineers denied emergency permit for dredging Majority of Purple Ribbon Committee members stress focus on potential reuses of Van Wezel, in spite of concerns about its vulnerability to future storm damage
