Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Sarasota City Commission met on October 5, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of minutes, board reports, consent agendas, board appointments, unfinished business (zoning change and safety program reports), a legislative public hearing on zoning code amendments, and commissioner remarks.
Nine residents addressed the Commission on various topics:
Good morning. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Welcome to the October fifth, twenty twenty six regular city commission meeting. And I just silenced my phone, so I'd appreciate it if you do the same. First, we will have the invocation by the city auditor and clerk, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Vice Mayor. Heavenly Father, we affirm our faith in thee, we seek your divine strength, wisdom, and guidance in the deliberations that affect the lives of each of the citizens of our community. In the name we pray, amen. Thank you. No mayor. Thank you. So move. Second. Move by the Vice Mayor, seconded by Commissioner Ahern Koch. Can we have your votes, please? I'm sorry it's not showing right now, I don't know why. But it is four to O. Okay. Vote passed unanimously for zero. Um, and are we expecting uh Commissioner? I have not heard that he would not say so. Thank you. Come on down. So uh this is a proclamation from the city, whereas domestic violence awareness month was established to create a community dialogue about violence, to advocate for legislation and law enforcement to protect victims, and encourage public awareness and action against abuse. And whereas domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people of all ages, income levels, and gender, but most often women and children. And once started, the campaign of physical, psychological, economic, and domestic violence only gets worse, resulting in a heavy burden on society and families. And whereas a hundred and six thousand five hundred and fifteen domestic violence offenses were reported in the state of Florida in 2020, including 217 deaths, and in Sarasota County, there were 1,399 incidents, including two deaths, and whereas Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, also known as SPARC, provides free services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, seeks to stop the crime of domestic violence through awareness and education. 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 October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month, a month of special importance and worthy of the recognition of the residents of the City of Sarasota. So thank you very much. And if you would introduce yourself and if you'd like to say a few words, please do. Thank you. Good morning. My name is Talia Casey. I'm the prevention and outreach advocate at SPARC. And on behalf of Spark, I would like to thank the City of Sarasota Commission for proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We know from the most recent national survey on intimate partner violence that one in three women and one in six men in the United States will experience contact physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. So with prevalence like this, domestic violence affects all of us, and we'll take all of us to do something about it. If you are a loved one needs assistance, know that you are not alone. Spark is here to help. You can call our 24-7 helpline at 941-365-1976 to speak to a trained victim advocate, always free and confidential. Violence is preventable and support is available. Thank you. Thank you. Stay up here and congratulate you for that photos. Congratulations. Thank you. Okay. Next on the agenda is public comment concerning city topics.