8 Feb 2019


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Sarasota County permit issued for waste transfer station on site near Celery Fields

On Jan. 31, Sarasota County staff issued the necessary permit to the agent for TST Ventures of Sarasota, clearing the way for a waste transfer station to be constructed on property adjacent to the county’s “Quads” parcels. The Quads are next to the Celery Fields, which has become a major tourist destination in the eastern part of the county.


Special committee of Charter Review Board to consider process for vetting any citizen-initiated Charter amendments before they go on a ballot

On a 6-4 vote, the members of the Sarasota County Charter Review Board have agreed on the appointment of a committee to study how best to handle the vetting of proposed amendments to the Charter as a result of citizen petition drives.


Water quality summit an event Sarasota County commissioners agree they want to host, with wide variety of presentations for the public

Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis is expected to provide preliminary information next week about the logistics of the County Commission’s hosting a water quality summit. Commissioner Christian Ziegler proposed such an event, and his colleagues were quick to concur that he had a good idea.


Citing variety of concerns about vagueness of language and lack of details they had sought, city commissioners vote to hold off on approving framework for nonprofit’s management of The Bay

Two Sarasota city commissioners raised multiple questions, and three city residents talked of plenty of public concerns. As a result, on Feb. 4, the City Commission voted unanimously to delay until March 18 the next step in a process designed to turn 53 acres of city-owned bayfront property into a destination park with cultural and arts amenities.


Master plan of city’s wastewater system will be vital in preventing future sewage spills, Utilities Department director says

A Dec. 20, 2018 City of Sarasota pipeline rupture that led to the discharge of approximately 918,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Sarasota Bay underscores the need to deal with aging infrastructure, Bill Riebe, the city’s Utilities Department director, told the City Commission this week.


County residents save about $7 million a year on flood insurance, thanks to the county’s participation in a federal program

Thanks to Sarasota County’s voluntary participation in an initiative offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Sarasota County property owners save $7 million a year on the cost of flood insurance. That was the good news goods Charles Walter, senior manager of the county’s Stormwater Division, pointed out to the County Commission on Jan. 29.


County Commission chair provides updates to City Commission on his board’s top priorities, including alternative to a new jail and providing incentives for affordable housing development

During remarks to the Sarasota City Commission on Feb. 4, Sarasota County Commission Chair Charles Hines provided an update on his board’s priorities for the year, including discussions about an alternative to a new jail, improving water quality and working on means of creating affordable housing projects.


Ley, Bessom and Brill reappointed to county’s Public Facilities Financing Advisory Board

By unanimous vote on its Jan. 29 Consent Agenda of routine business items, the Sarasota County Commission gave new terms on the advisory board to former County Administrator Jim Ley; Robert Bessom, who retired in 2008 after a decades-long career with General Electric; and Victoria Brill, who works in legislative affairs at the Florida Legislature.


Siesta Seen

On the morning of Feb. 26, the Sarasota County Commission will hold a public haring on proposed changes to the county’s Code Enforcement ordinance, in an effort to deal more effectively with illegal short-term home rentals.


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OTHER NEWS (free):

Rarely seen works by Gauguin to be displayed amid tropical artistic treasures at Selby Gardens


Orioles to host Sarasota Springfest on Feb. 16


New festival, HomeGrown Palooza, to feature nine area rock bands at Sarasota Fairgrounds


Community meeting set on upcoming construction at intersection of Orange Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota


Educational workshops planned about flood zones throughout Sarasota County