20181123-23 Nov 2018


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On 5-2 vote, Planning Commission recommends approval of Siesta Promenade as proposed

Dozens of speakers warn of exacerbated traffic congestion and protest density of the project

At the end of a Nov. 15 hearing that lasted approximately five hours, the members of the Sarasota County Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend that the County Commission approve the proposed Siesta Promenade project, as planned, with a total of 479 dwelling units, 133,000 square feet of retail space and 7,000 square feet of office space. (Read more »)


City of Sarasota health insurance expense going up about $64,000 in 2019

City will cease paying for one type of coverage that has proven unneeded

As a result of a unanimous City Commission vote this week, the city will see a 9.7% increase — about $64,000 — in its health insurance premiums for the calendar year of 2019. However, the city will save tens of thousands of dollars by discontinuing a practice that the director of the Human Resources Department says has been unnecessary. (Read more »)


Steps to mitigate Siesta Promenade’s impact on traffic flow one primary focus of Planning Commission hearing

County staff and consultants discuss what is and is not feasible at U.S. 41/Stickney Point Road intersection

In 2014, Benderson Development Co. renewed an effort that had stalled in the Great Recession: It unveiled plans for a mixed-use development at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Stickney Point Road it called Siesta Promenade. (Read more »)


With split vote, City Commission refuses to authorize research into potential amendment to its short-term rental ordinance

Commissioner Brody urges his colleagues to allow the city attorney to look into issues regarding home rentals, with owners on premises, for less than a week

After spending almost two-and-a-half hours on the topic, the Sarasota City Commission voted 3-2 on Nov. 19 to deny Commissioner Hagen Brody’s request for the city attorney to research a potential amendment to the city Zoning Code that would allow vacation rentals of less than a week in owner-occupied homes. Only Mayor Liz Alpert supported Brody. (Read more »)


Dec. 3 Sarasota City Commission discussion planned on new issues related to proposed development of Marian Anderson Place site

New environmental assessment points to need for removal of soil from areas where buildings would be constructed, to eliminate worries about ‘settling’

On May 7, the Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously to approve an Arlington, Texas, company’s proposal for a feasibility study regarding development on the Marian Anderson Place site in North Sarasota. As part of the agreement, UrbanAmerica LLC would have 180 days to determine whether the former brownfield property could be transformed into an economically viable mix of uses. (Read more »)


Victors in 2018 County Commission races sworn in

Al Maio and Christian Ziegler take oaths of office from 12th Judicial Circuit’s chief judge

After about a 15-minute delay in the start of the ceremony because of a technical glitch related to the video production of the event, the two victors in the 2018 campaign for County Commission seats finally took their oaths of office on the morning of Nov. 20. (Read more »)


Emergency renourishment project on Lido Key Beach finally underway

High seas resulting from passage of cold front caused temporary delay, city manager reports

The Lido Key short-term beach renourishment project is officially underway, Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin reported during the City Commission’s regular meeting on Nov. 19. In his Nov. 16 newsletter, he had written that the dredging for the emergency initiative was “expected to begin within the next several days, after a cold front moves through Sarasota and the high seas die down.” (Read more »)


Siesta Seen

Questions linger about whether dredging would affect infrastructure that crosses Big Pass; a law firm’s relocation results in return of mail; Barrier Islands League back at work; crosswalk light repairs needed on Midnight Pass Road; and Condo Council to meet on Dec. 4

With the Siesta Key Association (SKA) still pursuing a remedy in the 12thJudicial Circuit Court and Save Our Siesta Sand 2 (SOSS2) preparing to take action in federal court, a leader of the SKA’s Environmental Committee has told members of that nonprofit he is doubtful the City of Sarasota will see its long-range renourishment project getting underway on South Lido Key at any time next year. (Read more »)

 


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OTHER NEWS (free):

 

Light Up Siesta Key and Village Holiday Parade to be held on Saturday, Nov. 24


‘Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI’ named county’s 2019 selection for One Book, One Community program


Atomic Holiday Bazaar all set for Dec. 8-9


Property tax payments in Sarasota County due by Nov. 30 for those wishing a 4% discount


William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Public Library collection transfer underway


Visit Sarasota County announces red tide relief marketing grant program