Annual Year In Review, Part Two

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

July:

Property values up even more with July 1 report

City Commission votes 3-2 to approve millage rate increase for 2019 fiscal year

1,100-home Grand Lakes project east of I-75 wins County Commission approval on 4-1 vote

County Commission splits 3-2 on allowing construction of new Sanderling Road home 111 feet seaward of Gulf Beach Setback Line

August:

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

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

Residents who live around Bath & Racquet Club rousing opponents in effort to thwart plans for more than 200 residential units on the property

City and County of Sarasota follow governor’s lead in declaring States of Emergency as a result of red tide

Increases in solid waste fees for residential and commercial customers win City Commission approval on 4-1 vote on first reading

September:

St. Armands public restroom project gets go-ahead from City Commission on 4-1 vote

Fresh Start Initiative leaders plead for County Commission to undertake commonsense approach to future planning around Celery Fields, making use of connectivity and recreational opportunities

The Bay master plan wins unanimous City Commission approval, with project team authorized to begin work on first phase, in the southern portion of site

With unanimous City Commission vote, resolution nears on years-old Downtown Sarasota CRA conflict with County Commission

Judge issues final order to dismiss Mike Cosentino’s lawsuit against Sarasota County over May 2016 vacation of North Beach Road segment

October:

SOSS2 gives Army Corps of Engineers formal notice that it will file a lawsuit to try to stop dredging of Big Pass

With Commissioners Caragiulo, Detert and Hines in the majority, county ordinance banning sale and cultivation of recreational marijuana fails

County Commission calls for thorough staff analysis of ‘Northwest Quad’ near the Celery Fields, and surrounding area, before beginning rezoning

With ‘term sheet’ approved, Mote Marine to work on parking and rezoning issues in effort to purchase county land for new aquarium

Tourist Development Tax ordinance change approved to divert tourism promotional funds to repairs at Ed Smith Stadium during two fiscal years

November:

On 3-2 vote, City Commission approves installation of parking meters for 11% of downtown Sarasota spaces

Single-Member Districts Charter amendment wins voter approval to change method of electing the Sarasota County commissioners

Maio wins re-election to County Commission as Ziegler takes District 2 seat

Legacy Trail bond referendum passes with more than 70% of voter support

County Commission calls for workshop to discuss concerns about rising jail population and potential of hiring consultant to help with decision on building new detention center

With Decide the Date City of Sarasota Charter amendment approved, city election cycle moving to August and November

December:

Workforce housing should be embraced as community asset, president of Florida Housing Coalition says

Latest effort by county to sell property at 20 N. Washington Blvd. in downtown Sarasota dead for now, with contract timeline having run out

Nadalini put on paid administrative leave

Siesta Promenade wins BCC approval as designed

Private meeting likely in early January between county attorney’s staff and County Commission to discuss potential settlement of North Beach Road issues

Annual Year In Review, Part Two

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December: