25 Dec 2020

ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 1


January:

Opponents of proposed ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast lining up for Jan. 28 public hearing


$20 million in Sarasota County funds can go to Mote’s Science Education Aquarium project, commission agrees


Number of tourists coming to the county leveling off, indicating need for higher marketing investment, consultant tells Tourist Development Council


How The Bay park will generate revenue to sustain itself a focus of County Commission concern


February:

Federal judge refuses to dismiss redistricting lawsuit against Sarasota County but throws out one count


Last-minute plea fails to halt County Commission plan to add north-south Lorraine Road connector to the county’s Future Thoroughfare Map


Consultant covers array of recommendations for improving transportation on Siesta Key — from separators between drivers and bicyclists to roundabouts to various notifications to drivers


EPA received more than 9,000 comments on proposed ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County’s coastline


March:

 

Redistricting lawsuit down to one count, following latest ruling by U.S. District Court judge and plaintiffs’ agreement to drop another count


Cosentino loses county Charter amendments case, ending his Circuit Court battle over the vacation of a portion of North Beach Road


County-operated beaches to be closed as of 6 a.m. Saturday out of concern about out-of-area visitors violating ‘social distancing’ guidelines


With funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, team at work on ‘Community Playbook’ to improve water quality in Sarasota County


Mote Marine’s two-year lease of county property at Benderson Park to begin after County Commission approval this week of necessary documents


April:

 

City/county debate over how best to help the homeless during COVID-19 crisis arises again during board meetings this week


County commissioners agree not to hold fall referendum on proposed Mental Health Care Special District


County-operated beaches to be accessible to public as of Monday, April 27, for exercise and fishing but not lounging, County Commission agrees


Small business loan program anticipated to run out of $4.4 million in county funds fast after April 27 launch


May:

 

Judge rules for Sarasota County in redistricting case


One positive outcome of redistricting lawsuit for plaintiffs should be loss of Waechter influence with county commissioners, Culverhouse says


$10-million contract awarded for final phase of Lift Station 87 project in city of Sarasota, bringing total to about $66.5 million


Number of homeless individuals in Sarasota County down 40.5% since 2016, latest report shows


Last-minute donations pour in to complete campaign to preserve Orange Hammock Ranch from development


June:

 

Former federal prosecutor who backed redistricting lawsuit against Sarasota County pays court costs County Commission agreed to pursue


Maio well outpaces his fellow commissioners in terms of net worth, based on most recent financial disclosure forms filed with the state


Even though they opted out of renourishment project, Manasota Key property owners in ‘gap’ section to pay annual assessment for seven years to help cover the county’s expenses, County Commission decides


Sarasota County leaders will not pursue mask-wearing ordinance because of enforcement concerns