Commissioner Neunder had nominated Altice of Altez Vacations
Far more often than not, The Sarasota News Leader has observed, when the Sarasota County Commission needs to make an appointment to one of its advisory boards other than those dedicated to human and behavioral health services, only one person is nominated, winning the seat.
On Aug. 27, however, with one vacancy on the Tourist Development Council (TDC) for a person whose business collects the county’s Tourist Development Tax — or, “bed tax” — revenue, and two applications, the commissioners ended up splitting 3-2 in naming Siesta Key resident Michael Holderness Jr. to the seat.
First, Commissioner Joe Neunder nominated Sean Altice of Sarasota, who is chief operating officer and co-owner of Altez Vacations in Sarasota.
Then, after a pause, Chair Michael Moran nominated Holderness, who is one of the owners of Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites in Siesta Village; his firm, Beachside Management, handles rental properties on the Key.
When Moran called for the vote on Altice, Neunder and Commissioner Ron Cutsinger voted “Yes.” Commissioners Neil Rainford and Mark Smith joined Moran in supporting Holderness.
As the Tourist Development Council’s webpage explains, that advisory board “recommends tourism policy to the County Commission and oversees the use of tourist development tax revenues, pursuant to Florida law. The TDC discusses factors affecting tourist development, local culture, and beach maintenance and restoration, as well as the needs of the tourist industry.”
The Council has 13 seats; members serve four-year terms.
As noted in a county staff memo in the Aug. 27 agenda packet, Holderness will serve out the remainder of the unexpired term of Steven Cavanaugh, also of Siesta Key, who had resigned from the TDC. The term is effective through October 2025.
With his application, Holderness provided county staff two letters of recommendation One was from state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota; the other, from “Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman, an internationally known professor and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.
In response to the county application question about why he wanted to serve on the Council, Holderness wrote, “I hope to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and
responsible tourism in Sarasota County.”
He added, “I also want to continue to promote Sarasota County as a prime destination for responsible and ecofriendly tourism. Highlight the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area to attract [like-minded] visitors.”
In regard to his background information, which also was requested on the application, Holderness explained, “I am fortunate to be a former third generation realtor on Siesta Key, and I have long wanted to serve my community in a meaningful way.
“I am the Founder/CEO of Beachside Management which provides comprehensive management services, and collects at least $1 million in TDC funds for the county with an overall economic impact of $50 million for Sarasota County,” he added.
“Through my work on Siesta Key,” Holderness continued, “many have come to rely upon my expertise and advice concerning beach management, beach renourishment practices, sea turtle protection, and water quality.”
On Altice’s application, in response to why he wanted to serve on the TDC, he wrote that it was “because of my deep-rooted connection to the area and my dedication to its continued growth and success. As someone whose family has lived in Sarasota County and the surrounding Florida area for generations, Sarasota holds a special place in my heart. This long-standing personal connection fuels my passion for promoting and enhancing our local tourism industry.”
Altice then noted, “Professionally, I am the Co-Owner of Altez Vacations LLC, a company specializing in vacation rental management and hospitality services. At Altez Vacations, my mission is to connect travelers with the rich, vibrant culture of Sarasota. We provide personalized recommendations and concierge services that help our guests experience the area as locals do, fostering a deeper appreciation for our community beyond the typical tourist experience.”
Altice also pointed out, “In addition to my professional endeavors, I am actively involved in several county business and travel organizations. These engagements have allowed me to stay informed about local developments, network with other industry professionals, and contribute to the collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing Sarasota’s appeal as a premier travel destination.
“By serving on the Tourism Development Council,” Altice continued, “I hope to leverage my personal and professional experiences to support the growth and sustainability of Sarasota’s tourism industry. I am committed to working with fellow council members to develop innovative strategies that showcase our unique offerings, attract diverse visitors, and ensure that Sarasota remains a cherished destination for generations to come.”