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: