TOP STORIES:
County’s Comprehensive Plan policy regarding dredging does not relate to public projects, county attorney says
Statement could have impact on Siesta Key Association’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court complaint as nonprofit seeks to prevent removal of sand from Big Pass
Sarasota County has no jurisdiction over dredging in the Gulf of Mexico in regard to beach nourishment projects, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh reported to the County Commission on July 10. Commissioner Alan Maio raised the issue during his report as part of the board’s regular meeting that day. (Read more »)
City Commission votes 3-2 to approve millage rate increase for 2019 fiscal year
Mayor joins vice mayor and Commissioner Shaw in the majority
For the second special budget meeting in a row, the Sarasota City Commission split 3-2 on a decision. This time, though, Mayor Liz Alpert joined Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Commissioner Willie Shaw in approving a millage rate increase of 0.0904 for the 2019 fiscal year, which will begin Oct. 1. (Read more »)
1,100-home Grand Lakes project east of I-75 wins County Commission approval on 4-1 vote
Commissioners Hines and Caragiulo ask a number of questions regarding lack of more than one public road to the planned community
Two Sarasota County commissioners this week asked multiple questions about the fact that a proposed 1,097-home development on 533 acres east of Interstate 75 and south of Clark Road would have only one county road as an access for the residents. (Read more »)
Regulations prohibiting sale and cultivation of recreational marijuana in Sarasota County, if state legalizes drug, set for late August and October
County Commissioner Moran makes the motion to authorize advertisement of the draft ordinance
With a unanimous vote this week, the Sarasota County Commission authorized two public hearings on a proposed zoning text amendment that would prohibit any retail sales, cultivation, processing, or research, testing and development involving recreational marijuana in the unincorporated parts of the county. (Read more »)
County Commission approves new agreement with City of Sarasota regarding transfer of management of five parks to the city
City Commission vote set for July 16
The Sarasota County Commission took its formal vote on the issue this week. All that remains is Sarasota City Commission approval for a new interlocal agreement on parks management to go into effect between the two local governments. (Read more »)
A half-day workshop to be held later this year so County Commission can decide next steps regarding paid parking at Siesta Public Beach
Chair Nancy Detert wins consensus of her colleagues during update on latest staff research
Exactly one year later, Carolyn N. Brown, director of the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department, appeared before the board for a review of the year-long process she and her staff have engaged in as a result of that decision. She also offered an update on the latest research. (Read more »)
Reopen Beach Road proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments to be focus of Aug. 29 public hearing
County attorney indicates potential problems, if they were to win voter approval
Thanks to a unanimous vote this week, on Aug. 29, the Sarasota County Commission will hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance that could put two proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments on the ballot that relate to the commission’s May 2016 vacation of a 357-foot-long segment of North Beach Road. (Read more »)
Save Our Siesta Sand 2 hires attorney with federal court experience to pursue new legal challenges to proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass
Jane West Law in St. Augustine has handled dredging and beach nourishment cases
As Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) Chair Peter van Roekens had vowed, the nonprofit is heading to federal court in an effort to stop the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass to renourish about 1.6 miles of South Lido Key Beach. (Read more »)
County Commission formally approves advertisement of flat millage rate for 2019 fiscal year
Public hearings on the budget planned for Sept. 12 and Sept. 27
After multiple budget workshops that began in late November 2017, it took only about 2 minutes on July 11 for the Sarasota County Commission to approve the county’s not-to-exceed millage rates for the 2019 fiscal year. (Read more »)
Siesta Seen
Illegal parking tickets and garbage volume illustrate a busy July Fourth; SKA leaders point to clear signs of ‘boat channel’; City of Sarasota attorney provides update on legal fees in Big Pass dredging challenges; Crystal Classic plans announced; and some good news about the snowy plovers
A period of stormy weather leading up to July Fourth evidently did not deter people from making a beeline to Siesta Key for the holiday. The Sarasota News Leader saw this Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office post on Twitter about 9:30 a.m. July 4: “It should come as no surprise … the lot at Siesta Key is officially FULL! If you’re headed that way, consider a ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft.” (Read more »)
OPINION (free):
OTHER NEWS (free):
Primary voters have until July 30 to register or update party affiliation for August 28 election
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Emergency Care Team earns prestigious Lantern Award
Venice man reported dead after diving in the Gulf
Beach University to continue through December at Siesta Public Beach
Triskaidekaphobia Special:
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