Sarasota News Leader: 2020 in Review

Here are the Sarasota News Leader's top stories from the year 2020:

2020 ANNUAL YEAR IN REVIEW – Pt. 1

January 2020:

Opponents of proposed ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast lining up for Jan. 28 public hearing

$20 million in Sarasota County funds can go to Mote’s Science Education Aquarium project, commission agrees

Number of tourists coming to the county leveling off, indicating need for higher marketing investment, consultant tells Tourist Development Council

How The Bay park will generate revenue to sustain itself a focus of County Commission concern

February:

Federal judge refuses to dismiss redistricting lawsuit against Sarasota County but throws out one count

Last-minute plea fails to halt County Commission plan to add north-south Lorraine Road connector to the county’s Future Thoroughfare Map

Consultant covers array of recommendations for improving transportation on Siesta Key — from separators between drivers and bicyclists to roundabouts to various notifications to drivers

EPA received more than 9,000 comments on proposed ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County’s coastline

March:

Redistricting lawsuit down to one count, following latest ruling by U.S. District Court judge and plaintiffs’ agreement to drop another count

Cosentino loses county Charter amendments case, ending his Circuit Court battle over the vacation of a portion of North Beach Road

County-operated beaches to be closed as of 6 a.m. Saturday out of concern about out-of-area visitors violating ‘social distancing’ guidelines

With funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, team at work on ‘Community Playbook’ to improve water quality in Sarasota County

Mote Marine’s two-year lease of county property at Benderson Park to begin after County Commission approval this week of necessary documents

April:

City/county debate over how best to help the homeless during COVID-19 crisis arises again during board meetings this week

County commissioners agree not to hold fall referendum on proposed Mental Health Care Special District

County-operated beaches to be accessible to public as of Monday, April 27, for exercise and fishing but not lounging, County Commission agrees

Small business loan program anticipated to run out of $4.4 million in county funds fast after April 27 launch

May:

Judge rules for Sarasota County in redistricting case

One positive outcome of redistricting lawsuit for plaintiffs should be loss of Waechter influence with county commissioners, Culverhouse says

$10-million contract awarded for final phase of Lift Station 87 project in city of Sarasota, bringing total to about $66.5 million

Number of homeless individuals in Sarasota County down 40.5% since 2016, latest report shows

Last-minute donations pour in to complete campaign to preserve Orange Hammock Ranch from development

June:

Former federal prosecutor who backed redistricting lawsuit against Sarasota County pays court costs County Commission agreed to pursue

Maio well outpaces his fellow commissioners in terms of net worth, based on most recent financial disclosure forms filed with the state

Even though they opted out of renourishment project, Manasota Key property owners in ‘gap’ section to pay annual assessment for seven years to help cover the county’s expenses, County Commission decides

Sarasota County leaders will not pursue mask-wearing ordinance because of enforcement concerns

July:

Court of Appeal rules for Sarasota County in Siesta Promenade case, but offers no written opinion

Face mask ordinance in effect in city of Sarasota as of 12:01 a.m. July 1

170-room hotel, about 80 feet in height, proposed on four parcels between Beach Road and Calle Miramar on Siesta Key, just off Ocean Boulevard

Federal judge denies Save Our Siesta Sand 2’s motion for Temporary Restraining Order to try to prevent dredging of Big Pass

Proposals for two new Siesta Key hotels also call for changes in residential density calculations for Sarasota County’s barrier islands

August:

Criminal justice changes implemented in pandemic keeping jail numbers lower and raising question about need for Early Release Program County Commission has agreed to fund

City Commission majority decides not to increase noise violation fines after all, with comprehensive Sound Ordinance revision planned this winter

Florida Elections Commission rules that political action committee controlled by Eric Robinson did not violate election law in regard to Martin Hyde mailer

With concerns about rights of owners of the affected parcels, Planning Commission votes to recommend denial of Miakka Community Club initiative to reduce residential density east of I-75

Robinson’s loss in School Board race seen as big upset in Aug. 18 Primary

September:

County stormwater ordinance revision and rate changes to be pursued to help pay for more projects to reduce flooding and improve water quality

County commissioners cautioned about potential negative ramifications of having one of them serve on committees that evaluate bid proposals

Benderson Development seeking to add 16 dwelling units to Siesta Promenade project

County staff authorized to take next steps in process to vacate County Administration Center in Sarasota

Miakka Community Club effort to prevent increased residential density on 6,000 acres in eastern Sarasota County voted down by County Commission

October:

Nonprofit organizations plan to appeal EPA decision to award permit for ‘fish farm’ off Sarasota County coast

Commissioner Moran argues for stiffer penalties for any candidate for county office violating Charter limit of $200 for contributions

On unanimous vote, County Commission approves conservation easements for three ‘Quads’ next to Celery Fields, to protect them permanently from development

On unanimous vote, Charter Review Board members approve proposed changes to Sarasota County Charter regarding citizen-initiated amendments

Thanks to City Commission vote, Sarasota Police Department working on steps necessary to launch use of body-worn cameras for Patrol Division officers

November:

Sarasota County records highest General Election turnout since 2008, based on unofficial results

Funding mechanism for 53-acre Bay Park on City of Sarasota waterfront wins final approval from Sarasota city and county commissions

State Attorney’s Office review underway of Sheriff’s Office recommendation for charges against Democratic County Commission candidates who exceeded County Charter contribution limit

New affordable housing coordinator authorized for Sarasota County staff

Detert proposes county survey to determine residents’ understanding of Single-Member Districts election system for county commissioners

December:

First segment of Legacy Trail’s North Extension likely to open in mid-summer of 2021

18-year-old Bradenton man identified as operator of powered vessel that reportedly struck youth sailboats during Nov. 21 incident that resulted in child’s death

Roundabout to be constructed at intersection of Midnight Pass Road and Beach Road on Siesta Key, County Commission decides

Installation of traffic signal at Avenue B and C intersection on Stickney Point Road expected to start soon, FDOT says

Economic impact of tourism down 28% in the county, compared to 2019 fiscal year total

About 683,000 cubic yards of sand removed from Big Pass for Lido Key Renourishment Project

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