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