20180810-10 Aug 2018


TOP STORIES:

Residents who live around Bath & Racquet Club rousing opponents in effort to thwart plans for more than 200 residential units on the property

Community Workshop scheduled for Aug. 14 at Sarasota City Hall

Last fall, the Bath & Racquet Fitness Club in Sarasota announced plans to seek a City of Sarasota Comprehensive Plan amendment and subsequent rezoning so it can construct up to 180 residential units along its southern and eastern boarders and between its facilities and Trader Joe’s. (Read more »)


Siesta Promenade opponents arguing that one public hearing on four facets of application would not allow sufficient time for speakers to address concerns

Benderson Development seeking to hold required Neighborhood Workshop on Aug. 23

Later this month, it appears, all interested members of the public will have their first opportunity to ask questions of Benderson Development Co. representatives since Sarasota County staff — in July — began its formal review of the firm’s application for the proposed Siesta Promenade project. (Read more »)


TST Ventures has yet to respond to county staff requests for more details on formal site plans for waste transfer station near Celery Fields

Letter sent from staff on June 15 to engineering firm representing company owned by James Gabbert

More than seven weeks, Sarasota County Planning and Development Services staff notified representatives of TST Ventures that the company’s plans for a waste transfer station near the Celery Fields were insufficient. Yet, they have yet to provide more details, The Sarasota News Leader has learned. (Read more »)


Ramirez facing potential of paying nearly $40,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs after Circuit Court judge dismisses her civil complaint against Robert Waechter

County Commission candidate says she feels victimized again, after dealing with Waechter’s theft of her identity in a 2012 criminal case

Almost six years after the former chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County used her identity to try to smear her reputation, Siesta Key resident Lourdes Ramirez says she has been victimized again. On Aug. 1, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Andrea McHugh dismissed the last remaining portions of a civil complaint Ramirez filed against her fellow Siesta Key resident Robert Waechter in March 2015. (Read more »)


Sarasota County residents have until Aug. 31 to sign up for solar co-op initiative

Representative of Solar United Neighbors explains the nonprofit’s process to Siesta Key Association members

Homeowners in Sarasota County interested in installing solar energy panels have until Aug. 31 to sign up with a co-op that will reduce their expenses, a representative of the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors told members of the Siesta Key Association (SKA) last week. (Read more »)


City of Sarasota could get FDEP authorization for emergency beach renourishment project on Lido Key as early as next week

Siesta Key Association representatives questioning approval process because city did not complete inlet management plan as state required after earlier dredging of New Pass

The engineer for the City of Sarasota believes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) could issue its formal Notice to Proceed as early as next week for an emergency beach renourishment project on Lido Key Beach, The Sarasota News Leader has learned. (Read more »)


As about 44,000 students begin another school year in Sarasota County, they will be dining in ‘the largest chain in the area’

District’s Food and Nutrition Services director talks about the breadth of her department’s work, from serving free- and reduced-price meals to facilitating farm-to-school programs

An estimated 44,000 students — from pre-kindergarten youngsters to high school seniors — are expected in Sarasota County School District classes when the 2018-19 school year begins on Aug. 13. Along with their pursuit of knowledge, they will have the opportunity to dine in the “largest chain in the area,” as district Food and Nutrition Services Director Beverly Girard has pointed out. (Read more »)


Consulting firm working on Manasota Key beach renourishment project promises FDEP more information later this month, reflecting Sarasota County’s status as a co-applicant for permit

Sarasota County administrator says his commission will not need to decide for several months whether it wants to follow through with project on its side of Manasota Key

Later this month, a coastal engineering consultant working with Charlotte County is expected to provide updated material to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), reflecting the Sarasota County Commission’s recent decision to become a co-applicant with Charlotte County for a permit for a Manasota Key renourishment project. (Read more »)


Siesta Seen

County staff providing red tide updates; alligator in Little Sarasota Bay has residents on alert; South Bridge Apartments sold; Ripfire Pizza nearing an opening date; Sarasota Bay Estuary Program marks transition of Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant; The Hub encouraging customers to skip use of straws; SKA members get update on 12th Circuit Court case; and Siesta’s snowy plovers stymied again in nesting

Red tide not only has been the scourge of visitors and residents over the past week, but it also has prompted plenty of calls to the Sarasota County Contact Center, The Sarasota News Leader learned. (Read more »)


OPINION (free):

Cartoon of the Day


Editorial: Vote Beggs and Ramirez in the District 4 Sarasota County Commission primaries on Aug. 28


Commentary: Surrounded


OTHER NEWS (free):

Back-to-school safety tips offered for drivers


13th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop to offer unique solutions to host of challenges


Sarasota in Defense of Animals seeking community support for repairs and upgrades of aging cattery


Booker Middle School named College For Every Student Brilliant Pathways School of Distinction


Sarasota Memorial Hospital ranked among nation’s top 10 joint replacement hospitals


City of Sarasota Purchasing Division one of only 28 Florida recipients of prestigious award