ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 2
July:
Red-light camera contract extension wins City Commission approval
On 4-1 vote, County Commission approves ban on cigarette smoking on county beaches and in county parks as of Oct. 1
In spite of concerns Smith expresses about allowing more development in county’s Coastal High Hazard Area, majority of county commissioners approve new 11-unit structure on Siesta Key shoreline
FDOT agrees to provide three more years of funding for Bay Runner, based on operation’s success
Tom Knight files for District 3 County Commission seat
August:
County Commission approves revised 2024 fiscal year budget with $3.3-million reduction in recurring expenses
‘Bed tax’ revenue sets new record, with three months of collections left in this fiscal year
Moran files paperwork to try to succeed Ford-Coates as county tax collector
Circuit Court judge rules for Ramirez in Siesta hotel case
On 4-1 vote, Sarasota City Commission approves rate increases for solid waste customers
September:
Just days before Hurricane Idalia threatens Florida, McCrane retires as emergency management chief for Sarasota County
Hurricane Idalia damage in unincorporated parts of Sarasota County estimated at close to $2.7 million
Malaria alert lifted for Sarasota and Manatee counties
Funding approved this week for numerous human services agencies eliminated from County Commission lists on Sept. 12
Siesta Promenade redesign, with parallel parking spaces, wins County Commission approval on 4-1 vote
October:
First $2-billion budget approved for Sarasota County, for 2024 fiscal year
On 4-1 vote, county commissioners approve ‘medical freedom’ and Bill of Rights Sanctuary County resolutions
New feasibility study to be undertaken to develop options for potential reopening of Midnight Pass
Benderson seeking to construct hotel up to 85 feet tall in Siesta Village, if County Commission will eliminate residential density restrictions for ‘transient accommodations’
Appeals of legal rulings against county in Siesta hotel cases to be dropped
November:
County’s trolley service between SRQ airport and downtown Sarasota expected to launch in late January 2024
Sarasota Audubon makes clear intent to fight proposed 170-unit development on property near Celery Fields
‘Contractors working diligently’ to complete major sewer line project on Bahia Vista Street, county staff reports
On 4-1 vote, County Commission stops dues payments to American and Florida library associations
Commissioner Smith calls for more ‘freeboard’ in new home construction on Siesta Key, but board majority opposes implementation of stricter county standards
December:
Commissioner Moran makes motion to direct county staff to process Benderson policy proposals that would allow for high-rise hotels on Siesta Key
On unanimous vote, County Commission approves 87-home development on Hand Road near Lake Sarasota community
Mandating affordable housing units in new market-priced developments a necessity for lessening severity of housing crisis, City Commission hears
First District Court of Appeal upholds DOAH ‘Final Order’ in Ramirez case challenging county over amendment that cleared way for high-rise hotels
County Commission repeals October 2021 land-use change that cleared the way for approval of high-rise hotels on Siesta Key
Opinion:
