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Ocean

Highlights of October 21, 2024 Sarasota City Commission Meeting

Highlights of October 21, 2024 Sarasota City Commission Meeting

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE


Before a storm, there are many online hurricane preparation checklists. YouTube tutorials are available on using sandbags and protecting windows. Warning messages and evacuation zones are sent out by the county emergency management.


During a storm, TV and social media track minute-to-minute movements. Right after a storm, first responders rush to the scene. But what’s next? What actions should residents take if their dwelling has been impacted by flooding? Do the kitchen cabinets need to go? How much drywall needs to be cut out? What are “white goods” and how do they differ from other household items? Will those brown bushes recover from windburn and salt water? Should storm surge damage be reported to flood insurance or regular insurance?


With 4 major storms since June, and red tide on the horizon, residents and business owners need actionable information on how to recover from recent hurricanes, and prepare for the next. “The weather you’ve had the last 30 years is not going to be the weather we are going to have for the next 30 years” said Dr. Dave Tomasko presenting to the commission on the health of Sarasota Bay. How do we keep and protect what makes Sarasota great in light of changing environmental conditions?


PLANNING A SUSTAINABLE SARASOTA


Neighbors for Good Government found that the incumbent city commissioners had voted to increase building density or intensity 90 times in the last 4 years. Sarasotans have paid the price for this explosive overbuilding which crowds roads, taxes shared infrastructure, creates concrete heat islands, and exacerbates flooding.


Architect and former city planning board chair David Morriss wrote on social media “if Sarasota disappears, it will be destroyed slowly, from overdevelopment and bottom-line planning that disregards us, like a storm in slow motion. There’s no question we need to change the focus from a process machine to facilitate new development to sustainably stabilizing existing infrastructure and embodying intelligent growth.”


District 1 city commission candidate, Sequoia Felton, made water management one of the 3 key planks in her platform. District 2 candidate Ron Kashden has suggested the city and county partner to host a “resiliency fair” where builders, engineers, preservationists, and property owners can gather to exchange information and develop plans for how to shore up our dwellings and community. District 3 candidate, Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, co-led the organization that helped ensure that Bobby Jones was conserved for greenspace and water treatment.


NOW THE CHOICE IS YOURS...


CityPAC began as a small group of concerned neighbors who felt the public was being left in the dark about decisions impacting their everyday lives. Through our City Hall Monitor residents' point-of-view newsletter, which has grown to 4,500 subscribers, we have worked to shed light on “how the sausage gets made” at Sarasota’s City Hall.


Now it is up to you. Will you choose responsible local leaders who care about the quality of life for everyone? Who ask questions and make thoughtful decisions? Who actively listen to their constituents rather than the special interests funding their campaigns?


Today is the time to make a difference. Talk to your neighbors. Reach out to your friends. But most importantly - vote! Election Day is November 5. Early voting is underway NOW. No vote matters more to your daily life than who speaks for you on the Sarasota city commission.


CityPAC-ENDORSED CANDIDATES:


  • KATHY Kelley Ohlrich (District 1)

  • SEQUOIA Felton (District 1)

  • RON Kashden (District 2)



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