Wednesday, May 17, 2017

June 1st: Save our Celery Fields


Sarasota residents ask concerned citizens to come downtown on June 1 for a brief gathering prior to a hearing on a controversial plan to build and operate a large unenclosed industrial Waste Processing facility on public lands adjacent to the Celery Fields.

WHAT: On Thursday, June 1, the proposal to put an unenclosed, 15-acre industrial waste plant on public lands near the Celery Fields comes before the Planning Commission. Area residents, clean businesses, environmentalists and everyone concerned that County planning has lost sight of the public interest will gather for a brief update before the 5 pm hearing at the County Administration Building. Many will attend the hearing to monitor the proceeding.

WHEN & WHERE:  Thursday, June 1, 2017 @ 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 34236.


  • 4 pm: Gathering in front of the Administration Building on the Ringling Blvd sidewalk.
  • 5 pm: Planning Commission hearing in the Commission Chambers.

PARKING: Behind the County Administration Building at 1660 Ringling Boulevard.

WHO: A broad-based nonpartisan group of Sarasota taxpayers including Neighborhood Associations, business owners, environmental organizations and citizens who recognize the value of the Celery Fields as a regional stormwater system, tourist destination, bird sanctuary, and recreation area. Is the County practicing rational planning that fairly balances private enterprise with the public interest as our Comprehensive Plan requires? Folks will be on hand to offer updates and answer questions beginning at 4 pm.

WHY:  Industrial development for the public lands adjacent to Our Celery Fields is neither compatible with the natural setting nor with common sense in light of 25 years of growth trends in the area -- the Fruitville Initiative, many new neighborhoods, light clean businesses and the growing commercial Packinghouse District.

Approval of this industrial waste site would FAIL the County's mission statement:

"Protect a Community's Health, Safety and Welfare."


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