6 Jan 2023

ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 2


July:

 

Property values countywide climb again in data released to meet state requirement for July 1 reports


School Board denies County Commission request for sublease of Florida House to Manatee-Sarasota Business Industry Association


Having received formal ‘proof of funding’ that Mote Marine Lab can pay for Science Education Aquarium at Benderson Park, County Commission approves final steps for project to begin


New contractor approved for Sarasota County sewer project that has kept lanes closed on Beneva Road and Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota


Center for Food Safety and eight other environmental organizations considering federal lawsuit over Army Corps of Engineers’ nationwide permit allowing offshore ‘fish farms’


August:

 

Sale of county property at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota approved, for construction of affordable housing development


Ringling College negligence case involving former students moved from Circuit Court to federal court


Comprehensive Plan amendment to enable construction of 372-unit apartment complex near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport wins approval


Pittsburgh man files suit against Kompothecras over incident at Crescent Club in October 2021, which man alleges resulted in disability, disfigurement, and ‘permanent and significant scarring’


Aug. 23 election turnout highest ever, going back to 2002, for a Primary Election in Sarasota County


September:

 

With speakers unanimous in opposition to proposal, County Commission unanimous in support of plans for Lakewood Ranch Southeast near Old Miakka community off Fruitville Road


With new contract OK’d for sewer pipeline project along Bahia Vista Street and Beneva Road, contractor first to work on ‘restoration of asphalt, curbing and sidewalks’


Because of inflation and supply chain issues, Sarasota County’s expense for conversion of 3 sewage plants to Advanced Wastewater Treatment status — and expansion of capacity — to rise as high as $750 million


With opening of North Port Connector, County Commission marks formal completion of Legacy Trail projects paid for by 2018 referendum


School Board votes 3-2 to terminate lease of Florida House property in 12 months


October:

 

40% to 50% of approximately 12,000 homes in city of Sarasota affected in some way by Hurricane Ian, emergency manager reports


Cigarette-smoking ban on North Lido Beach and in city parks wins final City Commission approval


At Detert’s request, County Commission delays discussion of cigarette-smoking ban on beaches and in county parks


With Ahearn-Koch voting ‘No,’ City Commission gives final approval to controversial attainable housing measures


After criticizing speakers’ comments, county commissioners unanimously approve plans for expansion of Lakewood Ranch into Sarasota County


112-room hotel planned for former Wells Fargo bank site on Siesta Key wins full County Commission approval


November:

 

Smith, Neunder win seats on County Commission


Voters reject Charter Review Board amendment calling for more changes to citizen-initiated petition process


Ahearn-Koch, Trice win at-large Sarasota City Commission seats


Reopening Midnight Pass and maintaining channel for just nine years could cost county about $84 million, county staff tells commissioners


Although residents voice worries about potential for worse flooding after loss of 34.4 acres of open space, County Commission approves Regional Fire Academy on Nokomis site


December:

 

Circuit Court judge again denies county’s attempt to dismiss lawsuit over two Siesta Key hotels and he reinstates one part of complaint


Lawsuit filed over Army Corps of Engineers’ nationwide permit authorizing industrial ‘fish farms’


County residents challenge Lakewood Ranch Southeast plans in petition filed with Florida Division of Administrative Hearings


Circuit judge sets early 2023 hearing on Sarasota County motion seeking ruling in favor of county in Ramirez’s Siesta hotel lawsuit


Completion of roundabout traffic pattern at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 in downtown Sarasota expected by Wednesday, Dec. 21

 


Opinion:

Cartoon of the Week