20161028-28 Oct 2016

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Law enforcement officers’ increasing burden of handling behavioral health crisis transports for homeless people sparks renewed call for shelter

Data to be shared with community foundations during upcoming talks involving representatives of Tallahassee’s homeless facility, County Commission learns

From Oct. 1, 2015 through March 31 of this year, the majority of individuals transported multiple times — by law enforcement officers and a firm under contract with Sarasota County — to hospitals or other facilities because of specific types of behavioral health crises were identified as homeless, a Sarasota County study has found. (Read more »)


County Commission maintains revised Comprehensive Plan will continue to provide adequate protection for people as well as the land

Big part of public hearing focuses on revised policies regarding traffic, but board declines to modify staff-recommended language

Although almost 20 speakers pleaded for stiffening language they called weaker in the draft, the Sarasota County Commission this week unanimously approved a revised version of its Comprehensive Plan that it maintains will protect the county and its residents during future land-use planning efforts. (Read more »)


Petition signature threshold lowered for property owners seeking maintenance of navigable waterways

County Commission agrees to a drop from 80% to 67%, with staff having cited the lack of projects since the higher level was implemented

Thanks to a recent 4-1 vote of the Sarasota County Commission, it will take only 67% of affected property owners instead of 80% to initiate a petition process for maintenance of navigable waterways. (Read more »)


Neal’s proposal for Comprehensive Plan amendment unanimously denied by County Commission

Board members object to what staff called an attempt to craft changes under the county’s 2050 Plan to suit just the site proposed for Neal’s Grand Lake development

It was not so much that they opposed the project behind the Comprehensive Plan amendment developer Pat Neal had proposed, two Sarasota County commissioners said on Oct. 26. It was the fact that Neal and his team were seeking the amendment instead of coming to the board with requests for modifications to enable the Grand Lake project to be built on property east of Interstate 75 that has a number of constraints, Commission Vice Chair Paul Caragiulo and Commissioner Charles Hines said. (Read more »)


Tweak to Sarasota County’s revised inlet management policy does not call for specific actions

County Commission generally sides with staff recommendation as it revises the Comprehensive Plan

On July 6, as the Sarasota County Commission was reviewing proposed changes to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, the leader of a nonprofit organization pointed to one significant omission in the Environmental System chapter of the 1,300-page document. (Read more »)


County attorney counters Siesta resident’s arguments in North Beach Road lawsuit

Michael Cosentino has not shown he suffered a greater adverse effect than the general public, the county’s answer says, so his legal complaint is not valid

A Siesta Key resident has failed to identify how he has suffered an adverse effect greater than that of the general public as a result of the Sarasota County Commission’s May 11 vote to vacate about 357 feet of right of way on North Beach Road, Sarasota County argues in its response to a June challenge of the board action. (Read more »)


Quay Sarasota developer to pay upfront for roundabout at Fruitville and U.S. 41 and let city reimburse it

Regional president of GreenPointe estimates it could take up to 36 months to complete the roundabout; permitting for the first Quay construction to be pursued concurrently with that

Because a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road is a crucial element in the planning for the 14.65-acre Quay Sarasota project, the developer has agreed to front the funding for it and then have the City of Sarasota reimburse the expense. (Read more »)


Miniature golf course proposal to be focus of Nov. 2 neighborhood workshop

Binding concept plan released for 5160 Calle Minorga parcel in Siesta Village

At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, Siesta Key business owners and residents will have an opportunity to hear a presentation on plans for a miniature golf course at 5160 Calle Minorga in Siesta Village. (Read more »)


Cassia Cay to be focus of Nov. 3 Planning Commission meeting

Neighbors of proposed development urging big turnout

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, the Sarasota County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold its public hearing on the mixed-use and residential proposals for the Cassia Cay project, located at 7914 S. Tamiami Trail. (Read more »)


Comprehensive Treatment Court proposal wins three-year state grant

Sarasota County Judge Erika Quartermaine headed up a group comprising judicial and law enforcement leaders, along with the CEO of a nonprofit organization, to create the proposal

“We got the grant!” was the subject line in the Oct. 19 email that went to a multitude of Sarasota city and county government leaders, as well as 12th Judicial Circuit Court officials. (Read more »)


Workshop planned on Interstate 75 overpass from Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Cattlemen

Session to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Church of Hope

Sarasota County staff will hold a public workshop next month on the proposed Interstate 75 overpass that will connect the future Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Cattlemen Road, the county has announced. (Read more »)


Baltimore Orioles will begin 2017 Spring Training season on Feb. 24 in Lakeland

First home game at Ed Smith Stadium set for Feb. 26; finale will be March 30 against Tigers

The Baltimore Orioles will open their 2017 Grapefruit League schedule on Friday, Feb. 24, with an away game in Lakeland against the Detroit Tigers, the team has announced. (Read more »)


Phillippi Estate Park to celebrate 100th anniversary Nov. 12-13

A number of events have been planned by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff

Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Phillippi Estate Park with a series of free events the weekend of Nov. 12-13, the department has announced. (Read more »)


Landscaping plans on agenda for rescheduled Lift Station 87 meeting

Session to be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 in downtown Sarasota

The Lift Station 87 project meeting originally scheduled for Oct. 25 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in the SRQ Media Studio, located at 1565 First St. in downtown Sarasota, the city has announced. (Read more »)


City staff to host Fourth Annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 28

Robert L. Taylor Community Complex to be site of the free event

The Fourth Annual Trunk or Treat will be held at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC) on Friday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a family-friendly outdoor movie shown at 7 p.m., the City of Sarasota has announced. (Read more »)


Business vendors invited to City of Sarasota vendor forum

Event set for Nov. 9; Oct. 31 the deadline to RSVP

Vendors interested in doing business with the City of Sarasota are invited to attend an informational Vendor Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., the city has announced. (Read more »)


Corporate SWAT Challenge raises $30,000 for Sheriff’s Activities League of Sarasota County

Event featured 12 teams from variety of businesses and organizations

“Thanks to outstanding community support,” a news release says, Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight’s Seventh Annual Corporate SWAT Challenge raised $30,000 for the Sheriff’s Activities League of Sarasota County. (Read more »)