Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026
Sarasota City Commission Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026
The Sarasota City Commission held a regular meeting on May 4, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding after 7:00 PM. The meeting included multiple public hearings, presentations, and votes on a wide range of topics including parking reforms, a mediated settlement appeal for a high-rise development, a lease with the Humane Society, and updates from advisory boards.
Consent Calendar
- Item VI.1: Approved an Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Longboat Key for dredging and sand placement in New Pass Inlet.
- Item VI.2: Approved the Local Agency Program Agreement with FDOT for the Circus Trail Design Project (funded by $1.1 million from FDOT and MPO, with city funding up to 30% design).
- Item VI.3: Approved a contract with Earth Tech Enterprises, Inc. for Bayfront Park Seawall Reconstruction at $5,569,022.03, funded by FDEP, WCIND, and city funds. Discussion included tree removals (over 30 trees, many in poor condition) and commitment to preserve a large oak.
- Item VII.1: Adopted Resolution No. 26R-3393 amending the City's Formal Rules of Procedure for Commission Meetings, with amendments to clarify that a single speaker may represent an identifiable group and that the Commission may allow public comment on second reading of ordinances. (Approved unanimously)
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jungle Gardens Fence: Several residents (Gerald Komensky, Joel Wirth, Nancy Sutton Finley) complained about an eight-foot yellow vinyl fence with barbed wire along Bay Shore Road, stating it violates a 1972 resolution requiring opaque landscaping. They requested city enforcement.
- 711 South Palm Infrastructure: Dale Horowitz reported a two-day elevator outage due to water seepage after nearby construction, raising concerns about infrastructure capacity.
- U.S. Recycling: Ron Cashton asked the Commission to create an ordinance requiring industrial operators to have proper permits, citing a facility operating illegally without a permit since February 26.
- 1899 Fruitville Business Tenants: Tammy Hauser (Discover Sarasota Tours) and Renee Zimmerman (Siegfried's Restaurant) spoke on behalf of five businesses facing displacement due to redevelopment. They are seeking a relocation site at Fruitville and Tuttle and requested city resources and support.
- Parks District: Kelly Brown (Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations) and Selina O'Connor urged the creation of a dedicated parks zoning district and funding mechanism, and O'Connor also requested city acquisition of Ted Sperling Park from the county.
- Parking Ordinance: Martin Hyde, David Lowe, and Rita Pogany opposed extending paid parking hours, arguing it would harm downtown businesses and that increasing rates with existing hours would be more effective.
- 1260 N. Palm Appeal (FLUEDRA): Over 20 speakers, including Bay Plaza residents, engineers, and community advocates, opposed the mediated settlement, citing incompatibility with the downtown master plan, reduced retail frontage, loss of green space, and safety concerns. A few speakers (Jonathan Abrams, Brian Loebker) supported the project as an iconic addition to the skyline.
Discussion Items
- DID Board Report (Item V.1): Chair Wayne Rubin presented the Downtown Improvement District's report recommending discontinuation of the hanging basket program ($180,000/year) to fund enhanced ground-level landscaping, light pole refurbishment, and tree lighting improvements. The board also requested $4,000 in fee waivers/in-kind support for the July 3rd "Spirit of 76" America 250 celebration. The Commission accepted the report and approved the fee waiver (unanimous).
- PREP Board Report (Item V.2): Chair Carl Schoffstall presented the annual report of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board. The board voted 6-0 to request the City Commission direct staff to explore options for creating a dedicated parks district funding mechanism. The Commission received the report and passed a motion to place the parks district discussion on a future agenda (unanimous).
- Humane Society Lease (Item IX.1): The Commission considered a lease for 22,000 square feet of city-owned land at 2385 15th Street adjacent to the Humane Society. The Humane Society requested a 15-year term at $100/year. Staff recommended a 5-year term with two 5-year renewals. After debate, the Commission approved a motion for a 5-year lease at $100/year with two 5-year renewal options (4-1, Mayor Trice dissenting). A separate motion to add a policy discussion on nonprofit lease rates was also approved (unanimous).
- Parking Ordinance (Item X.1): Parking General Manager Broxen Harvey presented Ordinance 26-5590 to extend paid parking hours from 8 AM–12 AM (7 days a week) and increase fines. The changes are projected to bring the parking enterprise fund into the black, with a net operating income of $674,797 in FY2027. The ordinance was approved on first reading (unanimous).
Key Outcomes
- 1260 N. Palm FLUEDRA Appeal (Item XI.1): After a lengthy quasi-judicial hearing, the Commission voted 4-1 to deny the mediated settlement agreement and uphold the previous denial of the site plan. Commissioners Ahearn-Koch, Ohlrich, Battie, and Trice voted to deny; Commissioner Alpert voted against denial. The motion was based on findings that the project did not meet site plan review standards, particularly regarding compatibility (scale, bulk, height, setbacks, pedestrian experience) under Zoning Code Section 4-506. The developer offered conditions including a 20% below-market first right of refusal for displaced tenants, monthly construction meetings, and additional landscaping, but these were not sufficient to sway the majority. The matter will return to the FLUEDRA process for further proceedings.
- Other Directions: The Commission directed staff to place a parks district discussion on the agenda as soon as possible. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch requested an update on the Jungle Gardens fence issue, a possible ordinance for illegal industrial operations, and continued support for the displaced Fruitville Road businesses. The Commission also discussed potential code revisions and vehicle size restrictions on canopy roads.
Remarks of Commissioners
- Commissioner Battie reported on a tree clearance issue with a FedEx truck on a canopy road and introduced the Economic Development Corporation's marketing plan.
- Commissioner Ahearn-Koch highlighted several community events and thanked outgoing City Manager Rob Robinson for his service.
- Vice Mayor Ohlrich noted positive feedback from Arlington Park on speed tables and feedback signs.
- Mayor Trice raised the possibility of charter amendments requiring commission approval for salaries over a certain threshold and suggested a review of development codes.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning. I'd like to call the figure if I call it to order. Good morning. I'd like to call this May Fourth Regular City Commission meeting to order. And remind you all to silence your cell phones, and I'm going to silence mine right now. Next, we'll have the invocation by city auditor and Greg Griggs. In that name we pray, Amen. One nation. Individual with liberty and justice. Ms. Griggs, are there any changes to the order of the day? Yes, Mayor, there are. Changes to the order of the day. Please add under Commission presentations agenda item number one point one proclamation rate. Recognizing May 13th, 2026 as Salvation Army Day, further request of Mayor Trice, and that is all the changes to the other day. Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the proposed agenda schedule? So moved. Second. Moved by Commissioner Batti, seconded by the Vice Mayor. May we have your votes, please. And it passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Okay, next up is the presentation. So if you will, commissioners will join me up front. And where is it? I had it right here. Thank you, and I believe there are representatives from Salvation Army here today. Mayor Red Mike. Oops, I didn't know. It might already be known. Okay. Is it working? Okay. I just wasn't using it. And would you introduce yourself? Captain Jim Curry for the Salvation Army here in Sarasota, so it's been a pleasure here. Thank you. So thank you, Captain Curry. And as soon as I can open this, not doing well today. Okay. This is a proclamation from the city of Sarasota. Whereas the Salvation Army has been serving the people of Sarasota for nearly a century, meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs with compassion and dignity. And whereas the Salvation Army remains present wherever the need is greatest, walking alongside individuals and families facing homelessness, food insecurity, addiction, and crisis, offering not only immediate relief, but a path towards stability and renewed hope. And whereas through its center of hope shelter, the Salvation Army provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals and families are not only cared for, but encouraged, empowered, and celebrated as they work to rebuild their lives. And whereas National Salvation Army Week provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of service generosity and community partnership, and to encourage all citizens to care for their neighbors in meaningful ways. Now, therefore, the City Commission of the City of Sarasota, Florida, and on behalf of the citizens of our community, takes great pride in recognizing May 13th, 2026 as Salvation Army Day, a day of special importance and worthy of the recognition of the residents of the City of Sarasota. Thank you, Captain Curry, and uh let you say a few words while I put this together. Well, I appreciate the city uh proclaiming this day that National Salvation Army Week is some of you may not know was given by Harry Truman for the work we did in World War II.
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