20160812-12 Aug 2016

12th Circuit judge orders attorney in Whole Foods case to provide list of Manasota-88 members to defendants

Ralf Brookes had cited legal precedent and concerns about harassment of the individuals

A judge has ordered an attorney to disclose the names of members of an environmental organization challenging the Sarasota County Commission’s decision to allow a new Whole Foods to be built on what county staff has called a rare forested wetland site on University Parkway. (Read more »)


18-hole miniature golf course proposed for Calle Minorga in Siesta Village

Attorney for applicant says it will not be a ‘destination attraction,’ but a place families and others already visiting the Village would be able to enjoy

The operator of miniature golf courses in Bradenton Beach and on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street has filed a preliminary application with Sarasota County for an 18-hole project in Siesta Village. The site — a 10,500-square-foot treeless parcel located at 5160 Calle Minorga — is parallel to part of Ocean Boulevard. (Read more »)


County staff resisting calls for even more flexibility for food truck operators

Planning Commission will hold another public hearing next week on a proposed new county ordinance

The latest version of the revised Sarasota County food truck ordinance still eliminates the distance requirements between the vendors and brick-and-mortar restaurants; maintains the previous list of zoning districts where the trucks may operate; and allows larger vehicles than those originally proposed, the county’s zoning administrator has informed the Planning Commission. (Read more »)


Aug. 4 incident at Siesta Village gazebo sparks another discussion about problems with homeless individuals

Sheriff’s Office lieutenant warns that law enforcement personnel must treat all people the same way

An incident at the gazebo in Siesta Village on the morning of Aug. 4 sparked another public exchange about the handling of homelessness issues on Siesta Key. It came just two days after a debate of the topic among members of the Siesta Key Village Association. (Read more »)


Traffic headaches for Siesta Isles residents next summer could lead to a long-sought improvement

Construction related to the decommissioning of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant will result in temporary blocking of access to part of Shadow Lawn Way

A temporary traffic disruption that residents of Siesta Key’s Siesta Isles subdivision will face next summer could end with an especially welcome “silver lining,” the Siesta Isles Association president has told The Sarasota News Leader. (Read more »)


Public comments on latest plans for Lido Renourishment Project due at FDEP by Aug. 19

One document that must be filed before any permit can be issued still is missing from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers application materials, SKA says

The public has until Aug. 19 to submit comments to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regarding the material a consulting firm for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers filed last week with FDEP regarding the proposed renourishment of South Lido Key. (Read more »)


Siesta Seen

FDOT to start pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements at Stickney Point Road/Midnight Pass Road intersection; SKA’s beach trash cleanup initiative moving forward; resident applauds Sheriff’s Office for its handling of the July Fourth crowds; and county staff explain parking of ‘sleeper cabs’ at the beach

A Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project finalized almost a year ago to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road will get underway later this month, the state agency announced on Aug. 8. (Read more »)


County building and stormwater staff members clarify process for determining FEMA’s ’50-percent rule’

Discussion comes amid presentation about the updating of the county’s floodplain ordinance

The topic was Sarasota County’s proposed new floodplain ordinance, which will be the focus of a Sept. 7 County Commission public hearing. Nonetheless, members of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) zeroed in last week on an issue that has dominated discussions about home renovations on the barrier island for years: the “50-percent rule.” (Read more »)


Laurel Park residents apologize for statement about Woman’s Exchange legal challenge

Association president responds to attorney’s explanation of rules for judicial procedure

The Laurel Park Neighborhood Association has responded to a statement issued last week by the attorney representing the Woman’s Exchange in its petition to have the 12th Judicial Circuit Court overturn an April 11 City Commission decision regarding the Exchange. (Read more »)


Supervisor of elections announces polling place changes

Affected voters to receive new cards with the appropriate information

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent has announced several changes in polling locations, effective with the Aug. 30 primary. The list follows: (Read more »)


Lido Beach Pavilion project informational meeting set for Aug. 18

Presentation to be made on proposal to draw more residents and visitors to the site

A second informational meeting regarding proposed enhancements to the Lido Beach Pavilion, located at 400 Ben Franklin Drive in Sarasota, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, city staff has announced. (Read more »)


City of Sarasota issues two calls to artists for downtown locations

Artwork being sought for State Street garage and upcoming roundabout at the intersection of Cocoanut and North Palm avenues

Two calls to artists — one regional and one national — are underway for the creation of original pieces of art to be placed at locations in downtown Sarasota as part of the City of Sarasota’s permanent public art collection, the city has announced. (Read more »)


Public invited to share ideas about new park site in North County

Community workshop to be held on Aug. 17 at Crossroads United Methodist Church

Staff of the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is asking members of the public to share thoughts and ideas about a future neighborhood park. (Read more »)


SANCA board hires new president/CEO

Bill Sullivan has past experience managing convention venues that have hosted a range of events — from sports competitions to conventions to concerts with 3,000 attendees

The board of directors of the Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc. (SANCA) announced on Aug. 10 that Robert J. Sullivan, who has more than 35 years of experience managing events and venues, has been named the organization’s president and CEO. (Read more »)


New county Human Resources Department director to start Aug. 22

Christopher Louria has 20 years of experience with Sysco, the national food products distributor

Sarasota County has hired Christopher J. Louria as the new director of its Human Resources Department, the county has announced. He is expected to start work on Aug. 2, replacing outgoing county Human Resources Director Joanie Whitley; she will be retiring later this year. (Read more »)


City Procurement Division wins second consecutive award for excellence

Recognition came from the National Procurement Institute

For the second consecutive year, the staff of the City of Sarasota Finance Department’s Procurement Division has been honored with the Achievement of Excellence award from the National Procurement Institute (NPI), the city has announced. (Read more »)


Meghan Farrell named new program manager for Benderson Park

Her new responsibilities include adding activities to draw more people to the venue, SANCA says

The former varsity women’s coach for Sarasota Scullers has been named the new program manager for Nathan Benderson Park, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc. (SANCA) has announced. (Read more »)