Effects of county growth on neighborhoods remain key focus of nonprofit
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the new leaders of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) will conduct the first official public meeting of the organization since 2020, they are reminding the public. “This meeting marks an important milestone for our organization and the beginning of a pivotal year for our neighborhoods,” a CONA newsletter says
It will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room A of the Gulf Gate Library, which stands at 7112 Curtiss Ave. in Sarasota.
“This is an especially critical time to come together,” the newsletter continues. As 2026 is an election year, it notes, “CONA will once again host candidate forums and review local and state ballot initiatives that directly impact our communities.”
Further, the newsletter points out, “In the County’s most recent citizen survey, the number one issue raised was population growth and new development. Residents are concerned — and rightly so — about how growth is affecting our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.
“The goal of CONA has always been to help neighborhoods navigate the complex planning and development process and to ensure community voices are heard,” the newsletter explains. “Now more than ever, that mission matters.
“We strongly encourage you to attend our next two meetings as we embark on this journey together — working collaboratively to protect our neighborhoods and communities from unchecked overdevelopment.”
Among the topics to be addressed during the Jan. 13 session are the following, the newsletter notes:
- Ted Sperling Park jet ski concerns.
- Protect Siesta Key challenges.
- A controversial Coastal Setback Variance that the County Commission approved for construction on the parcel standing at 162 Beach Road on Siesta Key. (See the related article in this issue.)
- The county’s Neighborhood Parkland Program.
- Talon Preserve concerns (Palmer Ranch).
- The work of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation in the 2026 legislative session.
The next CONA meeting is planned from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Gulf Gate Library, the release says.