Do Grand Trees need to make way for development?

Grand Trees

On 1/31/23, The Board of Sarasota County Commissioners will vote on an ordinance which loosens protections for “grand trees,” including live oaks.

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger was the first to address the Grand Tree issue during the Oct. 11 regular meeting, followed by Commissioner Michael Moran. 

A chart that Herman showed the commissioners suggested that Section 54-586(2)(c) of the County Code remain in place. That calls for staff to allow the removal of Grand Trees on platted lots for either safety reasons or if the location of a Grand Tree “would unreasonably prevent the Development of a Lot.” 

Chair Alan Maio pointed out on Oct. 11 that he had had many discussions with county residents regarding Grand Trees on platted lots. “Unincorporated Sarasota County has a lot of 80 by 100-foot platted lots,” he said. “Anyone who thinks [otherwise] is mistaken.” A Grand Tree might be “right square in the middle” of one of those, Maio continued.

Sarasota News Leader 10.13.22: Commissioners Cutsinger and Moran push for more flexibility in removal of Grand Trees to allow for new developments

From Adrien Lucas: 

Tell them to vote NO!

Email to: bcc@scgov.net or commissioners@scgov.net.

Individual Commissioners:

mmoran@scgov.net - Mike Moran

mhsmith@scgov.net - Mark Smith

ncdetert@scgov.net - Nancy Detert

jneunder@scgov.net - Joseph Neunder

rcutsinger@scgov.net - Ron Cutsinger

Please share this message with friends and neighbors who care about quality of life in Sarasota County.

Brief snip from Commissioner Maio on Grand Trees

Thank you!