3 Jan 2020

ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 2


July:

About 36,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into Grand Canal on Siesta Key as result of problem with Lockwood Ridge sewer station


Revised property values for Sarasota County and municipalities show slight increases from preliminary report in late May


Benderson Development affiliate wins county approval of earthmoving permit to clear Siesta Promenade site


As of Sept. 1, City of Sarasota utility customer rates going up 3.5% to help pay for estimated $298.5 million in water and wastewater improvements


August:

Sarasota County continues to fall behind in spending on road projects, in spite of ongoing growth in population and plans for new residential developments


After getting 2 bids for Lido Renourishment Project that it called ‘unreasonably high,’ Army Corps of Engineers cancels solicitation


County utility rate increase proposed over 5 years to pay for $158-million upgrade of Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility to advanced treatment status


New 40-bed secured facility for treating offenders with mental health and substance abuse issues wins County Commission support on trial basis


Ban on polystyrene and plastic straw use for sidewalk cafes on city property to go into effect in January 2020


September:

Civil citations for possession of less than 20 grams of recreational marijuana to go into effect in City of Sarasota in 90 days


County settlement of nonprofits’ lawsuit over Clean Water Act violations focuses on conversion of Bee Ridge facility to Advanced Wastewater Treatment status and penalties for future preventable spills


The Bay’s revised Phase 1 plans win unanimous City Commission approval


Ethics Commission opinion sought before Sarasota County Commission formally appoints member to SANCA board


Developers ask Planning Commission to continue hearing on proposal for higher density communities on property near Fruitville Road/Verna Road intersection, in wake of Sept. 11 County Commission vote


Judge rules against Siesta Key Association in Circuit Court case filed to prevent the removal of sand from Big Pass for Lido Beach renourishment


October:

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has annual economic impact of close to $2 billion, Airport Authority CEO tells Tourist Development Council


Environmental analysis indicates preferred route for Legacy Trail connector to North Port would parallel I-75 and then run perpendicular to interstate before reaching West Price Boulevard


Road swap agreement wins County Commission praise, with FDOT planning underway for River Road improvements to start in 2021


Griggs wins unanimous City Commission support to become city auditor and clerk


Resident whom County Commission asked to work with redistricting consultant calls estimates ‘demonstratively outside reasonable margin of error’


With Waechter revealed as ‘Smith’ behind fourth proposed redistricting map, public outcry over County Commission initiative intensifies


November:

Conservation easement to be placed on three of county’s Quads parcels adjacent to the Celery Fields


Hoping an affordable housing project finally will become reality, County Commission authorizes county administrator to negotiate for sale of North Tamiami Trail property to a nonprofit


Cosentino’s county Charter amendments ruled invalid by Circuit Court because of conflict with state law


‘Bed tax’ revenue hits a new record in 2019 fiscal year


On split vote, County Commission approves revised Waechter map with new district lines, in spite of threats of legal recourse


December:

 

Circuit Court judge rules that County Commission acted appropriately in approving Siesta Promenade plans


Elements of financing mechanism proposal for The Bay downtown park and cultural arts project wins majority of city commissioners’ approval


Concepts for slightly smaller, elevated Sarasota performing arts center unveiled to City Commission, though cost estimate not expected until early 2020


Class action lawsuit filed to prevent use of new County Commission district lines in 2020 elections


County staff directed to work on reducing assessments for Manasota Key homeowners as share of beach renourishment project


Army Corps of Engineers can allow contractor staging in Ted Sperling Park, County Commission agrees on 4-1 vote, with Moran in minority