1 Jan 2021

ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 2


July:

Court of Appeal rules for Sarasota County in Siesta Promenade case, but offers no written opinion


Face mask ordinance in effect in city of Sarasota as of 12:01 a.m. July 1


170-room hotel, about 80 feet in height, proposed on four parcels between Beach Road and Calle Miramar on Siesta Key, just off Ocean Boulevard


Federal judge denies Save Our Siesta Sand 2’s motion for Temporary Restraining Order to try to prevent dredging of Big Pass


Proposals for two new Siesta Key hotels also call for changes in residential density calculations for Sarasota County’s barrier islands


August:

 

Criminal justice changes implemented in pandemic keeping jail numbers lower and raising question about need for Early Release Program County Commission has agreed to fund


City Commission majority decides not to increase noise violation fines after all, with comprehensive Sound Ordinance revision planned this winter


Florida Elections Commission rules that political action committee controlled by Eric Robinson did not violate election law in regard to Martin Hyde mailer


With concerns about rights of owners of the affected parcels, Planning Commission votes to recommend denial of Miakka Community Club initiative to reduce residential density east of I-75


Robinson’s loss in School Board race seen as big upset in Aug. 18 Primary


September:

 

County stormwater ordinance revision and rate changes to be pursued to help pay for more projects to reduce flooding and improve water quality


County commissioners cautioned about potential negative ramifications of having one of them serve on committees that evaluate bid proposals


Benderson Development seeking to add 16 dwelling units to Siesta Promenade project


County staff authorized to take next steps in process to vacate County Administration Center in Sarasota


Miakka Community Club effort to prevent increased residential density on 6,000 acres in eastern Sarasota County voted down by County Commission


October:

 

Nonprofit organizations plan to appeal EPA decision to award permit for ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast


Commissioner Moran argues for stiffer penalties for any candidate for county office violating Charter limit of $200 for contributions


On unanimous vote, County Commission approves conservation easements for three ‘Quads’ next to Celery Fields, to protect them permanently from development


On unanimous vote, Charter Review Board members approve proposed changes to Sarasota County Charter regarding citizen-initiated amendments


Thanks to City Commission vote, Sarasota Police Department working on steps necessary to launch use of body-worn cameras for Patrol Division officers


November:

 

Sarasota County records highest General Election turnout since 2008, based on unofficial results


Funding mechanism for 53-acre Bay Park on City of Sarasota waterfront wins final approval from Sarasota city and county commissions


State Attorney’s Office review underway of Sheriff’s Office recommendation for charges against Democratic County Commission candidates who exceeded County Charter contribution limit


New affordable housing coordinator authorized for Sarasota County staff


Detert proposes county survey to determine residents’ understanding of Single-Member Districts election system for county commissioners


December:

 

First segment of Legacy Trail’s North Extension likely to open in mid-summer of 2021


18-year-old Bradenton man identified as operator of powered vessel that reportedly struck youth sailboats during Nov. 21 incident that resulted in child’s death


Roundabout to be constructed at intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road on Siesta Key, County Commission decides


Installation of traffic signal at Avenue B and C intersection on Stickney Point Road expected to start soon, FDOT says


Economic impact of tourism down 28% in the county, compared to 2019 fiscal year total


About 683,000 cubic yards of sand removed from Big Pass for Lido Key Renourishment Project