TOP STORIES:
Data from the past 13 months show changes in handling community homelessness leading to positive results
City commissioners hear update on status of consultant’s recommendations that have been implemented
A little more than a year after both the Sarasota City and County commissions agreed to collaborate on a homelessness consultant’s recommendations for the community, the situation is much improved, city commissioners agreed this week. From February 1, 2017 through Feb. 28 of this year, 30% of the homeless individuals the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) Homeless Outreach Teams (HOTs) transported to The Salvation Army to sleep in beds the city contracts for there moved into permanent housing. (Read more »)
Until final order entered in case awarding a plaintiff almost $50 million from City of Sarasota, no appeal decision needed, city attorney says
Presiding judge has asked for transcript of May trial before ruling on a city motion that plaintiff’s evidence was insufficient for the case to go to the jury
It likely could be August before the Sarasota City Commission has to decide its next course of action in a legal case in which a jury recommended the city pay a company approximately $49.8 million for breach of contract. That was the news City Attorney Robert Fournier delivered to the commissioners during their regular meeting on June 4. (Read more »)
Other parties in Big Pass case file objections to Siesta petitioners’ request for elimination of two dredging areas for Lido beach project
Final order from FDEP in Division of Administrative Hearings case due by June 22
The defendants in a Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) case involving the proposed dredging of Big Sarasota Pass have asked the state to reject Siesta Key petitioners’ request for the elimination of two areas in the pass as sand sources for the renourishment of 1.88 miles of Lido Key Beach. (Read more »)
On June 18, City Commission scheduled to get first look at draft ordinance for November referendum on changing dates of city elections
Summary of ballot language to be part of board’s focus
On June 18, the Sarasota City Commission is scheduled to review the draft of an ordinance that will set in motion a Nov. 6 referendum on whether citizens wish to change the dates of the city elections. On a June 4 motion by Commissioner Willie Shaw, seconded by Commissioner Shelli Freeland Eddie, the board accepted the report of representatives of the organization Decide the Date Sarasota, which conducted a petition drive to get the proposed measure on the General Election ballot this year. (Read more »)
After city commissioner raises concern about the number of architects and planners on advisory boards, commission votes 3-2 to delay new appointments
Willie Shaw calls for in-depth discussion on how to achieve better balance of representation on the boards
On a split vote this week, the Sarasota City Commission continued until July 16 appointments to seven of the city’s advisory boards. Commissioner Willie Shaw made the motion during the June 4 meeting, voicing concern about the number of architects and planners who already are serving on the city’s 18 advisory boards, with more people from those professions included among the latest set of applicants. (Read more »)
County’s road resurfacing money not going as far because of inflation and ADA requirements
County Commission approves new options for phase of Myrtle Street improvements
During a series of discussions in 2013, the Sarasota County commissioners delved into an issue that — they indicated — had become increasingly vexing for their constituents: poor road conditions. In email exchanges in December 2012 with then-Commissioner Christine Robinson, the county’s chief engineer at that time — James K. Harriott Jr. — pointed out that it would take the allocation of $9 million a year to maintain an “Excellent” rating for the pavement on two-thirds of the county’s roads. (Read more »)
City Commission affirms its commitment to long-range Lido Renourishment Project, as required by FDEP
June 4 resolution also offers assurance that city can pay its share of the expense
Less than a week after the City of Sarasota declared a State of Emergency on Lido Key, in response to damage Subtropical Storm Alberto inflicted on the already seriously eroded shoreline, the City Commission has affirmed its commitment to pursue a long-range project to stabilize the southern portion of the beach. (Read more »)
Software/engineering firm wins County Commission approval for 10-year tax exemption on tangible assets
Commissioner Moran applauds career development at Codeware in Sarasota
On many occasions since he joined the board in November 2016, Sarasota County Commissioner Michael Moran has voiced adamant opposition to economic incentives for businesses. His goal, he has affirmed, is job creation, but the majority of the applications he has seen, he has stressed, have not met that criterion. (Read more »)
Deputy city manager of Lakeland chosen as new assistant Sarasota County administrator
Brad Johnson’s confirmation scheduled on June 12 County Commission agenda
The deputy city manager of Lakeland has accepted a conditional offer to serve as an assistant Sarasota County administrator, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis announced on June 6. Brad Johnson, 37, has been on staff with the City of Lakeland since March 2012. (Read more »)
County Commission candidate wins County Commission appointment to advisory board
Republican Alexandra Coe named to Historic Preservation Board
A candidate for the District 2 Sarasota County Commission seat — which Commissioner Paul Caragiulo will vacate late this fall — has won appointment to one of the county’s advisory boards. As part of the commission’s approval of its May 22 Consent Agenda of routine business matters, Republican Alexandra Coe won a three-year term on the Historic Preservation Board, effective through May 2021. (Read more »)
Majority of City Commission agrees on need to renovate entire 45 holes at Bobby Jones Golf Club
Community workshops planned for June 13 and June 14, while board members agree to another discussion about how to pay for project
It took more than three hours, but the Sarasota City commissioners voted 4-1 on May 31 to approve a series of steps designed to lead to the revival of the Bobby Jones Golf Club as a major destination in the community. On June 13 and June 14, the public will be invited to attend workshops on the future of the city-owned property. (Read more »)
Siesta Seen
Paving planned for part of Turtle Beach parking lot; Old Salty Dog owner buys property next door; Siesta Village preliminary property values up; and Cosentino continues to make progress on proposed Sarasota County Charter amendments
For years, residents who live near Turtle Beach Park have complained about the dust from the parking lot. During comments to the County Commission on Dec. 14, 2016, a Sunrise Cove resident, Ed Schmidt, represented about 155 owners in the condominium complex located at 8877 Midnight Pass Road, he said, when he asked for improvements. (Read more »)
OPINION (free):
Editorial: Mike Moran’s marijuana monkeyshines
There is considerable buzz developing over a pending announcement by the Evolution Is A Theory Society (a wholly owned subsidiary of Screwball Suppositions, Ltd.). It seems that the nominations for the annual Chicken Little Awards will soon be made known, and rumor has it that a local dignitary will be a nominee. Sarasota County Commissioner Mike Moran has caught the attention of the Chicken Little Nominating Committee for his bold, hysterical concerns about marijuana in Sarasota County. (Read more »)
Commentary: No apology needed
Modern society and social media have facilitated more than a few changes in personal discourse
What is an apology? It used to be an expression of sorrow or regret from one person showing compassion for having hurt another person, either physically or emotionally. (Read more »)