Sarasota City Commission Meeting – September 8, 2026

The City Commission held a regular meeting on September 8, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and concluding with a special meeting at 5:30 PM. The agenda included a proclamation, public comments, a housing authority report, consent agenda items, legislative and quasi-judicial public hearings, and commissioner remarks. Key outcomes included approval of the McCown Tower parking garage financing framework, adoption of several rezonings and a budget amendment, and a decision on a historic demolition appeal.

Proclamation

• The Commission unanimously recognized September 17, 2026, as “Find the Good Day,” highlighting the Junior League of Sarasota’s contributions of over $51,000 in financial support, 8,323 volunteer hours, and collaboration with 38 organizations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Edward McCaffrey (non‑resident) raised concerns about commercial jet ski operations at the city boat ramp, panhandling, and maintenance of the 1400 DeSoto Road property. He urged enforcement of rules before the ramp closure on October 1.
• Catherine Hermes (resident and business owner) criticized the city’s aggressive parking enforcement, citing a 70% increase in citation revenue in July and a 30% increase in activity. She warned of public backlash and employee safety risks, and asked for a communicated solution before the election.
• Henry Kawadi (St. Armand’s resident) described his ongoing struggle to elevate his storm‑damaged home due to zoning barriers. He noted that despite obtaining variances from the Board of Adjustment, three neighbors sued to block them. He reported that similar variance requests for other flood‑affected homes have been approved.
• Dan Lobeck (resident, homeowner, and business owner) opposed proposed amendments to the Transportation Chapter, arguing they eliminate neighborhood‑focused education programs, reduce parking requirements, and shift emphasis from volume reduction to speed management, which could push traffic into neighborhoods.

Discussion Items

Board Actions – Sarasota Housing Authority Report (Item V.1)

• William Russell (President/CEO) presented the Housing Authority’s portfolio: 100 units at Bertha Mitchell, 175 project‑based Section 8 units at McCown, 65 nonprofit‑owned rentals, 2,300 tenant‑based vouchers, and 522 tax‑credit apartments. The Section 8 program has tripled since 2005.
• Russell requested a formal commitment from the city for $8 million to fund 160 public parking spaces as part of the McCown Tower redevelopment. The parking garage is now integral to the project’s financing and design. A county grant of $3 million has been secured; the city’s commitment is the last piece needed to enter underwriting.
• Commissioner Battie urged expediting the decision, citing the need for parking in the Rosemary District. Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch expressed concern about timing and requested the city manager bring the matter back in October with a parking rate study and financing plan.
• City Manager Fryling confirmed that a parking rate study is expected in the coming weeks, and the item will return to the commission in October. The Housing Authority noted that any further delay may require a second extension from Florida Housing Finance.
• Public comment: Carl Williams (Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences) and Sandra Young (Rosemary District) supported the garage, with Young asking for tree protection and infrastructure review. David Lowe (Rosemary District resident) also supported the plan but proposed a voluntary setback to preserve canopy trees.

Consent Agenda No. 2 – Pulled Items

• Several items were pulled by Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch for discussion:
  • Item 7.4 (Resolution 26R‑3415): Supplemental appropriation of $3.5 million from FDEP for improvements at Bayfront Park, Whitaker Park, and Saprito Pier. Staff explained the grant requires no local match and will replace FEMA funding for 95%‑completed Whitaker Park. The city is waiting for FEMA approval before starting the other projects. The resolution was approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.6 (Ordinance 26‑5601): Personnel code amendments. HR Director clarified that six temporary employees will be converted to permanent to retain health insurance. Approved unanimously.
  • Items 7.7 & 7.8 (Aspinwall Street vacation and rezone to DTE): Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch sought clarity on a 10‑foot right‑of‑way condition. Staff confirmed a will be required per EDCM. Both ordinances approved unanimously.
  • Items 7.9 & 7.10 (1660 Ringling Boulevard land use and rezone to DTC): Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch proposed adding the same “whereas” clause regarding step‑down height requirements to the comprehensive plan amendment (7.9) as was already included in the rezone (7.10). The Deputy City Attorney stated there was no legal harm in doing so. Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch moved to approve 7.9 with the additional whereas clause; the motion carried unanimously. 7.10 was then approved unanimously.

Unfinished Business – Newtown Gateway Purchase Agreement (Item IX.1)

• Deputy City Attorney John Shamsi and Baron Channer of Newtown Gateway LLC presented the Third Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Marian Anderson site (2046 MLK Jr. Way). The amendment extends deadlines for the North Parcel’s supplemental SAR report to October 31, 2026, and for the South Parcel’s BISRA to six months after rezone approval. It also grants the city manager authority to administratively extend deadlines by 60 days, with a further 60‑day period to bring any unresolved deadline to the commission. The amendment was approved unanimously.

Legislative Public Hearing – Infrastructure Sales Surtax Project List (Item X.1)

• Kelly Strickland (Director of Financial Administration) presented Resolution 26R‑3416, which updates the project list for Penny 3 and Penny 4 surtax funds. Several transfers were questioned:
  • $86,000 removed from Hudson Bayou dredging (project fully funded with $914,000 county match; excess no longer needed).
  • $475,000 moved from “traffic calming infrastructure” to “intersection improvements.” Public Works Director clarified that intersection improvements are a sub‑category of traffic calming.
  • $5 million transferred from Bobby Jones Nature Park to the clubhouse. Parks Director Fogle explained that the nature park will now be funded by a $3.5 million Big Waters Land Trust commitment and $1.6 million in park impact fees. Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch noted the risk if the trust fails to raise the funds.
  • Several other transfers were explained as reprioritization or right‑sizing budgets.
• The resolution was approved unanimously.

Table of Organization (Item X.2)

• City Manager Fryling presented the annual Table of Organization for FY2026‑2027. Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch asked about potentially breaking out departments such as historic preservation or sustainability in the future. Fryling said she would include recommendations in her upcoming 100‑day report. Approved on first reading unanimously.

Quasi‑Judicial – Marian Anderson Rezone (Item XI.1)

• Baron Channer and Keith DuBose (Newtown Gateway) requested rezoning 9.22 acres from CRD to IGD to facilitate light industrial use. The Planning Board had recommended approval with a proffer limiting certain uses. The proffer originally stated “no open‑air” processing/recycling. During discussion, Commissioner Alpert proposed expanding the proffer to also exclude such activities as a primary use. After negotiation, the applicant agreed to: “there shall be no primary uses on the site, and/or any open air activities on the site, that involve (1) the processing or recycling of refuse or trash, or (2) the crushing, breaking, grinding, or pulverizing of rocks, concrete, mortar, asbestos, asphalt, or substantially similar materials.” Commissioner Battie raised concerns about data centers, but staff clarified they are not currently defined or permitted under the code, and the applicant declined a specific proffer at this time. The motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Sarasota Housing Authority McCown Garage: Staff directed to bring financing details back in October; informal consensus to move forward quickly.
• FDEP Grant Resolution (7.4): Unanimously approved.
• Personnel Ordinance (7.6): Unanimously approved.
• Aspinwall Street Vacation and Rezone (7.7 & 7.8): Unanimously approved.
• 1660 Ringling Land Use Amendment (7.9): Approved with added whereas clause (unanimous).
• 1660 Ringling Rezone (7.10): Approved (unanimous).
• Newtown Gateway Third Amendment (9.1): Approved (unanimous).
• Sales Surtax Project List (X.1): Approved (unanimous).
• Table of Organization (X.2): Approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Marian Anderson Rezone (XI.1): Approved with expanded proffer (unanimous).
• Historic Demolition Appeal (XI.2): Appeal granted, demolition approved with condition allowing salvage of historic materials. Vote: 3‑1 (Commissioner Ahearn‑Koch recused herself due to conflict; Commissioner Trice dissented).