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: