20180803-3 Aug 2018


TOP STORIES:

 

Proposed diverging diamond interchange at Fruitville Road focus of County Commission concerns because of Fruitville Initiative impacts

Board plans to raise issue with FDOT staff at MPO meeting

The Sarasota County commissioners have voiced concerns about the potential negative impacts on the county’s Fruitville Initiative if the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) proceeds with plans for the construction of a diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Interstate 75. (Read more »)


Former ally details Nokomis community criticism of Commissioner Alan Maio over Maio’s desire for new Sheriff’s Office Fleet Maintenance Facility to be Maio’s ‘legacy project’ in prime spot near I-75

Past Planning Commission Chair John Ask also critical of Maio’s close association with James Gabbert, whom Maio supported in Gabbert’s failed bid to build construction recycling facility next to Celery Fields

On Dec. 13, 2016, three people representing Nokomis businesses and residents appeared before the Sarasota County Commission during a public hearing. All three were opposed to the proposal before the board that afternoon to rezone about 52.8 acres of county property at 2101 Laurel Road for the site of a new Sheriff’s Office Fleet Maintenance Facility. (Read more »)


County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department director latest senior employee to opt for Longboat Key town position

Carolyn Brown submitted her resignation on July 27

Yet another senior Sarasota County Government employee is headed to the Town of Longboat Key, The Sarasota News Leader has learned: Carolyn Brown, director of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. (Read more »)


Linear park and roundabout at Benderson Development Co. property on Fruitville Road to be completed by end of August 2019

County Commission approves final agreements necessary for work to begin on land where company also plans light industrial project

More than three years after the Sarasota County Commission closed on the sale of a 41.34-acre Fruitville Road parcel to an affiliate of Benderson Development Co., a linear park that has been a facet of plans for that site finally is nearing construction. (Read more »)


Circuit Court judge gives SKA, City of Sarasota and Lido Key Residents Association time to file supplemental materials in Big Pass case

Last documents due just after middle of August

It likely will be late this month at the earliest before a 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge rules on a motion by the City of Sarasota to dismiss a complaint the Siesta Key Association filed last year in an effort to prevent the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish South Lido Key Beach. (Read more »)


New deal to sell county property at 20 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota wins commission approval

Versaille St. Germain LLC offered the county $3.3 million

On Feb. 12, 2014, then-Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta was eager to see a 115,000-square-foot, 150-room hotel rise on prime county acreage in downtown Sarasota. The County Commission had entertained proposals for the purchase of its nearly 1-acre parcel at 20 N. Washington Blvd. On a 3-2 vote, the board finally gave its nod to the vision presented by Sarasota-based developer Rod Connelly’s firm, SHD Partners LLC. (Read more »)


Latest Tourist Development Tax data wipes out most of year-over-year drop for April and shows revenue continuing on pace for new record

Revenue total from Airbnb accommodations approaching three-quarters of a million dollars for the current fiscal year, through May

Adjustments to the April reports reflecting collections of the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax — or, “bed tax” — wiped out more than $61,000 of the year-over year drop the Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office previously recorded for that month, the latest figures show. (Read more »)


OPINION (free):


Cartoon of the Day


Commentary: The beach takes top honors for inspiration

Writer ponders why ideas arrive with ease in that particular setting

“I have to write an article, so I have to get to the beach,” I told a friend as I raced out the door with all my gear and then climbed into the car. Today I have driven over to Siesta Beach. I wanted to arrive there before 8:30 a.m., before the visitor onslaught begins, and therefore be able to race out later on. (Read more »)


OTHER NEWS (free):

Supervisor of elections urges voters to consider voting by mail for primary and general elections


Candidates for District 4 seat on County Commission invited to appear at CONA forum on Aug. 13


Donations of school supplies sought for students through ‘Pack the Patrol Car’ initiative


Sarasota County Tax Collector’s Office staff wins statewide recognition for Donate Life Florida campaign


Public invited to Selby Library’s 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 4


Former North Port mayor named new president of National Civility Center board


Celebrate Downtown Venice Day planned for Aug. 11