WADING INTO WASTEWATER...

As a result of sewage spills and runoff from Hurricane Debby, bacteria counts in Sarasota Bay remain very high. In addition to feeding red tide and killing fish and marine animals, wastewater can cause serious illness or infection to humans. Both the Suncoast Waterkeepers and Sarasota Bay Estuary cautioned against recreational use (swimming, fishing, wading) until the water quality improves.

Ron Kashden, a frequent recreational kayaker on Sarasota Bay and candidate for the District 2 seat held by Liz Alpert, asked the city what mechanism was in place to warn the public about health risks stemming from exposure to the hazardous water conditions.

DOUBLE CROSSED?

Remember as a kid crossing your heart when you made a pledge? Well, based on 3 separate projects with proffer problems percolating at city hall, it seems like the members of the development machine make promises with fingers crossed behind their backs.

Led by Erik Arroyo, and joined by Kyle Battie and Liz Alpert, the city commission voted to vacate Cross Street in Burns Square to developers who coded-named their project “Orange Crush”.

It should be concerning to us all that a number of $1,000 donations made within the last few weeks to all three who voted for the street vacation as well as for the demolition of the historically-designated McAlpin House (on the same property) appear connected in some way to the Orange Crush project.

GOING IN CIRCLES ON NAMING RIGHTS

The project known as “Rosemary Park” during its planning phase was officially dubbed “Overtown Square”. Commissioner Trice, who led the Rosemary neighborhood association when the pocket park project was conceived, explained why the recognition of Overtown was both appropriate and significant, and suggested a sign be included on site explaining the place’s history.

ARE WE ON THE SAME PAGE

In her recent column in SRQ Magazine, former county commissioner Christine Robinson, head of the Argus growth and development-focused group, asked for greater transparency and notice of projects. Residents agree—friendly engagement, active listening, and open-minded conversation with community stakeholders up front helps ensure a better fit project and smoother process over the long run.

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

Based on the ads a longtime Sarasota resident has been running in the local papers with that headline, residents throughout the city and county have had it with the overbuilding, and with commissioners who don’t seem to care about the people who live here.

City manager Marlon Brown seems to have had enough too, as he announced his retirement from the post he has held since 2020. The city commission will discuss at a future meeting how to handle the search for his successor.

COMING UP

Budget. Bobby Jones clubhouse design. Multimodal transportation impact fees.