Public Meetings - Sarasota, Florida

The Sarasota City Commission held its regular meeting on 2026-11-02, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning shortly after 4:08 p.m., with recesses from 10:15-10:30 a.m. and 12:21-1:30 p.m. Commissioners present were Mayor Debbie Trice, Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, and Commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch, Liz Alpert, and Kyle Battie. The meeting included proclamations, citizen input, board reports, consent approvals, a legislative public hearing on the Transportation Chapter, and a quasi-judicial FLUEDRA appeal hearing on 1260 North Palm Residences. Proclamations & Presentations - The Commission proclaimed November 2026 as National Family Caregivers Month, citing 4.3 million family caregivers in Florida and 63 million Americans, who spend an average of over $7,200 per year out of pocket. Representatives from AARP, Senior Friendship Centers, Active Age, and Town Square accepted. - The Commission proclaimed November 1-15, 2026 as Eat Local Week, presented by Sunshine Community Harvest for its 15th year, featuring 13 activities celebrating local food producers. Citizens' Input (Morning Session) - Henry Kahwaty, a St. Armands resident making his eighth appearance, urged the city to allow homeowners to build above the 8-foot base flood elevation plus 1 foot of freeboard (9 feet total) to improve storm resiliency, and submitted recommended daylight-plane language. - Robert Moss, a city resident, opposed proposals in the 100-day administrative report to reduce public comment opportunities and to require all five commissioners to agree before placing items on an agenda, arguing this would silence minority and neighborhood concerns. - Martin Hyde, a non-city resident, opposed the same administrative proposals, accused the city manager of importing "Chicago-style politics," and suggested items were being rushed before the November 3 election. - Mike Hassett, a city resident, said he voted no on Amendment 3, favored a decentralized "citizen-farmer" model, and urged commissioners to say no to affluent requests so city resources could prioritize residents with greater needs. Consent Calendar & Board Actions - The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the October 5, 2026 Regular City Commission Meeting. - The Commission approved the minutes of the October 7, 2026 Special Joint Meeting with Longboat Key by a 4-1 vote, after adding the word "future" before "topics" on page 2. - Cindy Emshoff, General Manager of Housing and Community Development, and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Chair Drayton Saunders presented the annual AHAC report. The committee met on May 22, July 22, and September 16, 2026. Recommendations included funding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Recommendation 12A), voluntary inclusionary zoning, increasing the density-bonus affordable set-aside from 11% to 15%, and more flexibility on setbacks. Planning staff noted the ALICE report found one in two Sarasota residents could not meet a survival budget, and that more than 1,000 attainable housing units were in the private-sector pipeline. - The Commission unanimously authorized staff to submit the annual report to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and to consider the AHAC Local Housing Incentive Strategy Recommendations. - Consent Agenda No. 1 (minus pulled item 6.3) was approved unanimously, including three-year collective bargaining agreements with I.U.P.A. Local 6045 (officers, sergeants, crime scene investigators) and Local 6043 (police lieutenants). Item 6.3 was then approved unanimously after discussion. - Consent Agenda No. 2 was adopted unanimously, including a supplemental budget appropriation of $31,075 for an overtime-work grant (listed on the agenda as Resolution 27R-3437; read aloud in the minutes as 27R-3430) and a supplemental appropriation of $9,275,050 in State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds for housing production and administrative costs (Resolution 27R-3438). Legislative Public Hearing - Transportation Chapter (Item X.1) - Staff presented Ordinance No. 26-5610, amending the Sarasota City Plan's Transportation Chapter and related Level of Service provisions to transition from Level of Service (LOS) to Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) Ratio standards, consistent with Sarasota in Motion, the Multimodal Connections Plan, and the Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM). The process included 10 in-person events, an online survey, and state agency review. - Public speakers Martin Hyde, Patrick McNamee, and Dan Lobeck (via Zoom) urged deferral. They argued the city was not required to act until 2029, that the change would reduce developer accountability for traffic, that the plan included road diets on 10th and 12th Streets, and that the vote was being rushed 24 hours before an election. - Commissioner Ahearn-Koch raised concerns that a revised redline document dated October 30 had not been posted publicly before the hearing. The City Attorney and city staff said such updates could be added to the record and that second reading on November 16 would be a full advertised public hearing. - The Commission unanimously approved an amendment changing "should" to "shall" in two affordable-housing coordination action strategies, after staff confirmed these were city actions not developer requirements under Senate Bill 180. - The Commission then voted 4-1 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 26-5610 on first reading, with Commissioner Ahearn-Koch voting no. Final adoption was scheduled for November 16, 2026. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing - 1260 N. Palm Residences Appeal (Item XI.1) - The Commission considered the FLUEDRA Mediated Settlement Agreement and Special Magistrate's final recommendation concerning the proposed 14-unit residential project at 1260 North Palm Avenue (also referred to as the Obsidian). - The Commission voted 4-1 to accept late-filed letters from both attorneys into the record due to the compressed timetable. - Applicant attorney Robert Lincoln and applicant Matt Kihnke argued the Special Magistrate correctly found the prior denial unreasonable and unfairly burdensome, that the requested adjustments were the minimum needed for any building over two stories, and that the city staff supported the approvals. - Intervenor attorney Morgan Bentley, representing Bay Plaza, argued the project did not meet the code by definition, offered no mitigation, and was incompatible; he urged rejection of the Special Magistrate's recommendation. - Thirteen members of the public spoke. Most, including Bay Plaza residents and downtown residents, urged denial, citing the building's height and scale, construction risks, trash pickup on Palm Avenue, retail frontage reductions, and the two prior 4-1 denials. One speaker, Jonathan Abrams, said rejecting the project would stall Sarasota's future and prevent progress. - During commissioner questions, city planning staff testified that a two-story building under 10,000 square feet could potentially be built with no adjustments, while applicants' representatives disputed the economic viability of such a project. - Commissioner Ahearn-Koch moved to reject the Special Magistrate's recommendation and uphold the denial of site plan 24-ASP-07 and adjustment 24-ADS-04. The motion passed 3-2, with Mayor Trice and Vice Mayor Ohlrich joining Commissioner Ahearn-Koch; Commissioners Alpert and Battie voted against the motion, citing concerns about potential litigation exposure. Other Board Actions & Key Outcomes - The Commission gave consensus direction to draft a letter to appropriate state/federal agencies supporting a no-wake zone at Ted Sperling Park. - The Commission agreed by consensus to file an appeal as a placeholder in the code-enforcement case at 0 North Washington Boulevard, with a shade meeting to decide whether to continue pursuing the appeal. - City staff reported that Hart's Landing was at 60% engineering design, was scheduled for Development Review Committee review on November 4, and was awaiting FEMA approval for the approximately $3.7 million project. - The City Clerk reminded the public of ShredStock on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Van Wezel parking lot, and that a 5:30 p.m. statutory meeting would follow.

Note on Source Material: The provided raw transcript contains an extensive, unrelated section documenting various city employee profiles and community events before the actual meeting gavel sounds. This portion is not part of the official meeting agenda or minutes. The Sarasota City Commission held a special meeting on the evening of November 2, 2026. The primary agendized item was the second public hearing and final adoption of a comprehensive zoning code update (Ordinance 26-5611). In addition, under "Other Matters," the Commission authorized the use of expedited procedures to amend the zoning code in response to three new state laws taking effect on January 1, 2027. No members of the public signed up to speak. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak during the Citizens’ Input portion or on the scheduled agenda items. Discussion Items - Second Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 26-5611 (Zoning Text Amendment 26-ZTA-02): Chief Planner Briana Dobbs presented the ordinance. She detailed the changes made between the first and second readings, specifically the removal of the vehicle repair shop parking requirement and the addition of a stipulation that the mobile food truck provisional use must return to the City Commission for review within 24 months to evaluate its functionality. - Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch inquired about the timeline for implementing a planned increase in the public art contribution from half a percent to one percent. Chief Planner Dobbs explained that such a change requires a full zoning text amendment, taking approximately six months, and noted a statutory restriction preventing work on more restrictive zoning text amendments before October 2. - Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich stated that the presentation had answered her questions. - Expedited ZTA Procedures for State Mandates (Other Matters): Following the vote on the ordinance, the City Attorney’s Office (John Shamsey and Joseph Polzak) raised a matter under "Other Matters/Administrative Officers." They requested a Commission consensus to utilize expedited procedures for three zoning text amendments necessitated by new state laws (House Bills 399, 683, and 803) with an effective date of January 1, 2027. The expedited procedure bypasses the formal Development Review Committee (DRC) review, staff report, and formal application, allowing draft ordinances to go directly to the Planning Board in January 2027. - House Bill 399: Requires manufactured homes to be permitted by right in any zone district where single-family detached dwellings are allowed, and mandates enhanced review criteria for subdivision approvals. - House Bill 683: Excludes synthetic turf installations on single-family home parcels of one acre or less from being factored into impervious coverage calculations. - House Bill 803: Mandates that glazing cannot exceed 15% of the surface area of the primary facade for the first ten feet above ground floor for commercial or mixed-use construction projects. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-5611: The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt the ordinance on second reading, enacting a wide range of amendments to the city's zoning code. The motion was made by Vice Mayor Ohlrich and seconded by Commissioner Kyle Battie. - Authorization of Expedited ZTA Procedures: The Commission unanimously approved Vice Mayor Ohlrich’s motion to allow expedited procedures for the zoning text amendments required by House Bills 399, 683, and 803, as recommended by the City Attorney. The draft amendments are expected to go before the Planning Board in January 2027.

The Sarasota City Commission held a workshop on October 26, 2026, covering two main topics: state comments on the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Chapter update and the City Manager’s 100-Day Report. The order of the agenda items was swapped so the Transportation Chapter was heard first. No formal public testimony was taken during this workshop session. Discussion Items Comprehensive Plan Amendment 26-PA-02 (Transportation Chapter Update) Staff presented revisions to the Transportation Chapter—the first comprehensive update in nearly a decade—responding to Florida Commerce comments and Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) restrictions. The proposed change introduces a Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) ratio alongside the existing Level of Service (LOS) metric, with a greater emphasis on multimodal and operational improvements rather than roadway widening alone. Staff noted that Florida Commerce flagged 25 of 150 action strategies as potentially more restrictive or burdensome under SB 180, requiring language shifts (e.g., “shall” to “should”) for provisions on sidewalks, transit shelters, and micromobility. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch questioned the timing of the update, suggesting the city wait until the statewide SB 180 moratorium expires in October 2027 to avoid weakening its regulations. She raised concerns that proposed thoroughfare map changes (e.g., reclassifying Orange Avenue and Circus Boulevard to collector status) were not specifically called out to affected neighborhoods during public outreach. She also noted discrepancies and duplicate entries in the thoroughfare tables and a lack of version numbering on draft documents. Vice-Mayor Ohlrich asked about the necessity of updating now rather than by the 2029 deadline. Staff responded that the 2026 base year for the travel demand model would require costly rework if delayed, and that adopting the chapter now gives developers a transition period before SB 180 expires, turning current “requests” into future “requirements.” Mayor Trice focused on pedestrian safety, expressing concern that delaying the update would jeopardize safety improvements (e.g., crash-history review for development near failing corridors). He stated the chapter is largely aimed at city government objectives, not just developer requirements. Commissioner Alpert noted the update cleanses the plan of references to expired programs like Transportation Concurrency Exemption Areas, calling it an essential modernization regardless of SB 180. Commissioner Battie commended staff for being proactive, stating the current 2002 standards are largely inapplicable to today’s city needs. Staff confirmed the next step is the November 2, 2026 City Commission public hearing for first reading. The amendment will return for a second reading before being submitted to Florida Commerce for final review. City Manager 100-Day Report City Manager Karie Friling presented a 23-page report summarizing her first 100 days. She reported participating in over 350 meetings, stabilizing leadership (appointing Jennifer Jorgensen as Deputy City Manager and hiring Deidra Greene Larkins as Economic Development Manager), implementing a hiring freeze on general fund positions, and focusing on fiscal discipline. She noted $50 million in recovery costs from the 2024 storms and a goal of restoring reserves to 25% over two years, up from roughly 17%. She outlined a need for a commission-led strategic plan, stronger infrastructure resilience against flooding, and permanent protections for parks and open spaces, including exploring a “Friends of Sarasota Parks” nonprofit. She also proposed an Assistant City Manager for Community Development and a Sarasota Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) to tap resident talent. Vice-Mayor Ohlrich praised the report’s focus on strategic planning but noted that page 20, while discussing underserved areas, neglected to mention District 3, which he called the “totally ignored district.” Commissioner Ahearn-Koch praised the report overall but stated she had issues with pages 11 and 12, which contain recommendations on changing the commission’s meeting rules. She expressed strong support for reestablishing a robust strategic plan and for prioritizing economic development and parks as infrastructure. Commissioner Alpert welcomed the focus on economic development, noting a recent rise in empty storefronts on Main Street and the need for proactive business recruitment. Commissioner Battie praised Friling for her deep engagement with District 1 and Newtown, and for hiring a local economic development manager who understands the community. Mayor Trice commended the city manager’s focus on listening and strategic planning. He offered a suggestion for the commission to consider scheduling legislative and quasi-judicial hearings in the morning, when members are fresher, rather than at the end of long days. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. - The Transportation Chapter update will proceed to first reading before the City Commission on November 2, 2026. - Staff will correct duplicate and inconsistent entries in the thoroughfare plan tables from the backup materials. - The City Manager’s recommendations on commission rules and procedures (pages 11-12 of her report) were acknowledged for future deliberation by the full commission.

This regular meeting of the Sarasota City Commission on October 19, 2026, lasted from 9:00 AM to approximately 7:00 PM and addressed a wide range of items including proclamations, consent agenda items, unfinished business related to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), vacation rental ordinance expansions and program improvements, a rezoning petition, and an appeal of a site plan denial for the Midtown Plaza redevelopment. Numerous public comments were heard on various topics. Consent Calendar - Item 6.2 – Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program (Cycle A) Funding of $29,640.00: Approved unanimously after being pulled for public comment. Commissioner Ahearn-Koch moved approval, seconded by Vice Mayor Ohlrich. - Item 6.4 – Hurricane Milton Permanent Highway Lighting Repair Project (Ben Franklin Drive): Authorized Mayor and City Auditor and Clerk to execute the Local Agency Program Agreement with FDOT for $718,463 (city contribution $118,426). Approved unanimously after a brief presentation by City Surveyor Robert Hagan. - Item 7.3 – Second Reading of Ordinance 26-5598 (Certified Recovery Residences): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Alpert, seconded by Vice Mayor Ohlrich). - Item 7.4 – Second Reading of Ordinance 26-5609 (Table of Organization FY 2026-2027): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Ahearn-Koch, seconded by Commissioner Battie). Public Comments & Testimony - Martin Hyde (non-resident): Criticized the new city manager’s long-term planning, focusing on local issues like the closed Lido Beach pool and unsolved communication gaps. - Celine O'Connor (resident): Thanked city for dune installation on Lido Beach; urged faster restoration of streetlights on Benjamin Franklin Drive; supported a city takeover of Ted Sperling Park and stronger sound ordinance and parks district. - Pamela Bundy (resident): Requested a fresh coordinated review of her building permit issues at 535 South Osprey, asking to bypass a quiet title requirement. - Katherine Hermes (resident): Expressed concern over city manager’s proposal to require unanimous commission consent for agenda items, citing that it would hinder public input. Also noted decline in downtown foot patrols by police. - Ron Shapiro (resident): Provided an update on the 1260 North Palm project’s arbitration process; questioned magistrate’s recommendation to approve despite no changes from rejected plans. Urged commissioners to reject the project again. - Henry Kahwaty (St. Armands resident): Discussed zoning ordinance barriers to home elevation projects, emphasized resilience building, and criticized variance criteria that limit resiliency. - Kelly Brown (President of Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations): Supported the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program and thanked the city for continuing it. - Jim Ludwig (CCNA): Supported the DTN vacation rental expansion (Ordinance 26-5602) and conceptually supported program improvements (Ordinance 26-5613). Highlighted that over 70% of vacation rentals were previously unlicensed, generating over $1.5 million annually in bed tax revenue. - Max Brandow (Realtor Association): Opposed the 70% fee increase without itemized cost analysis; suggested longer inspection periods, multi-year registrations, and third-party inspections to reduce costs. Asked for better stakeholder engagement. - Public comments on vacation rental ordinances: Kelly Brown (Gillespie Park) noted 14% of properties are short-term rentals, 70% not owner-occupied; urged inclusion in ordinance. Affected parties spoke on both ordinances. Discussion Items - Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) Lease and Option Agreements (Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3): The city presented three related items: an amended lease for the Leonard Reid House, a first amendment authorizing a $458,000 state grant, and an addendum to the option to purchase three properties on MLK Jr. Way. Commissioners discussed special events language, the $50,000 improvement threshold, and tree protection. Amendments were adopted to clarify special event permitting (including city special event permitting). All three items passed unanimously with separate motions. - Vacation Rental Ordinances (Items 10.2 and 10.3): - Ordinance 26-5602 (DTN Expansion): Extends vacation rental registration to the Downtown Neighborhood Zone (DTN), affecting approximately 50 potential units. Includes a phased occupancy limit (12 persons, with temporary allowance for existing rentals up to 16 through 2028). Approved on first reading unanimously. - Ordinance 26-5613 (Program Improvements): Establishes registration and renewal procedures, increases annual fees from $350 to $600, adds inspection and change fees, and extends the repeat violation look-back from one to five years. Staff projected 97.4% cost recovery. Commissioners debated a proposed amendment to add a link to the city’s vacation rental registration map to the required informational posting; it failed 2-3. An amendment to set the sunset/removal provision date to October 1, 2027 passed unanimously. The ordinance was then approved on first reading unanimously. Commissioners also passed motions to direct staff to prepare a budget amendment for two new positions (a Code Compliance Administrative Specialist and a Vacation Rental Compliance Specialist) and to conduct a stakeholder workshop and establish program performance standards. - Rezoning – 1551 N Beneva Road (Item 11.1): Applicant Brian Lichterman sought to rezone a 2.8-acre vacant parcel from RMF-1 to RMF-3 to build 36 multifamily units. Affected neighbors expressed concerns about traffic, stormwater, height (35 feet), and compatibility. The applicant proffered stipulations including a 6.5-foot fence, one access point, and a community workshop. The Planning Board had recommended approval 4-1. Commissioners adopted amendments to require the sidewalk connection (changing 'consider' to 'shall provide') and to add a community workshop before site plan filing. The rezoning was approved 4-1 (Commissioner Ahearn-Koch dissenting). - Midtown Plaza Redevelopment Appeal (Item 11.2): This was an appeal of the Planning Board’s 3-2 denial of a site plan for a mixed-use development on 3.3 acres at 1325 S Tamiami Trail. The plan includes a 145-room hotel, 91 apartments (23 attainable), 1,861 sq ft retail, and a parking structure. Staff recommended approval. Affected parties cited traffic, parking, safety on East Avenue, trash compactor location, and pedestrian facilities. The applicant highlighted compliance with CGD zoning, de minimis traffic impact (129 PM peak trips vs. 226 for a grocery store), and over 200 parking spaces. During discussion, commissioners noted that the project meets code and represents an improvement over the existing vacant grocery store. A motion to approve the site plan subject to staff conditions and an added proffer of a 6-foot sidewalk on Prospect Avenue passed 3-2 (Commissioners Ahearn-Koch and Ohlrich dissenting). Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (excluding pulled items) approved unanimously. - Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program: Approved ($29,640). - Hurricane Milton Lighting Repair Project: Approved (authorization to execute LAP agreement). - Ordinance 26-5598 (Certified Recovery Residences): Adopted unanimously. - Ordinance 26-5609 (Table of Organization): Adopted unanimously. - SAACC Lease and Option Agreements (Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3): Approved with amendments to special events language. - Sale of Winton Avenue property: Approved for $2,100, proceeds to Affordable Housing Fund. - Vacation Rental DTN Expansion (Ordinance 26-5602): Approved on first reading unanimously. - Vacation Rental Program Improvements (Ordinance 26-5613): Approved on first reading with sunset date amendment (October 1, 2027). Staff directed to prepare budget amendment for two new positions and to conduct stakeholder workshop and develop performance metrics. - Rezoning at 1551 N Beneva Road: Approved 4-1 with amendments. - Midtown Plaza Site Plan Appeal: Approved 3-2, reversing the Planning Board denial, with conditions including a 6-foot sidewalk on Prospect.

On October 7, 2026, the City of Sarasota Commission and Town of Longboat Key Commission held a special joint meeting in the Town of Longboat Key Commission Chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. The agenda header lists a DATE of October 1, 2026, but the meeting notice and transcript identify the meeting date as October 7, 2026. No member of the public requested to speak. The boards reviewed Amendment 3 budget impacts, shared coastal resiliency and transportation projects, FDOT corridor work, water transit, and Longboat Key's subaqueous sewer force main replacement. Amendment 3 Impacts - Sarasota City Manager Carrie Friend presented estimated impacts of the proposed Florida Amendment 3 homestead exemption increase. She said the city's general fund receives about $59 million in annual tax revenue, with the police department consuming about 48% of the general fund, parks and recreation about 11% (slightly over $12.5 million), and all other smaller departments combined about 30%. - About 42% of city properties are homestead properties, so they would bear the largest impact. Staff estimates the general fund impact at roughly $5.6 million per year once fully implemented after year two. Friend compared that to about 37 full-time police officer positions, 47 full-time staff positions, the entire annual streets and highway budget, or 1.5 times the engineering budget. - Friend said the city is not advocating, only educating, and has been preparing through a hiring freeze on general fund positions, reviews of user fees and programs, and a three-legged stool approach of cutting expenditures, increasing revenues/fees, and improving efficiency. - A commissioner noted that Florida League of Cities vote no Amendment 3 television advertisements aired in Sarasota the day before the meeting on ABC 7. Coastal Resiliency and Transportation Projects - Sarasota Public Works Director Nikesh Patel presented, and Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mott also answered questions. - New Pass dredging and sand sharing: A new interlocal agreement effective September 15, 2026, establishes a 10-year partnership with a cumulative 50-50 sand allocation between the city and town; with written consent, a project can place up to all available sand on one shoreline and later restore the balance. The 2025 inlet management plan, approved by FDEP, starts the accounting. - Lido Beach renourishment and New Pass: Five years of sand accumulation of roughly 3 inches to 3 feet in New Pass had hindered navigation. After the Army Corps and city dredging, depths are about 5 to 9 feet. In 2026, about 300,000 cubic yards of sand restored about 1.2 miles of shoreline, supported by $12 million in federal funding. Dune restoration is separate and targeted for completion by the end of the year. - Q&A on navigation: Mott said New Pass shoals around 70,000 cubic yards per year, the Coast Guard had considered pulling buoys, and Army Corps project representatives indicated markers would be re-established. Dredging did not go east of the bridge because of a TECO utility line conflict. - St. Armand's resiliency and stormwater: The city described a county-managed stormwater project with $13.5 million from the Resilient SRQ disaster recovery program plus a $479,000 city contribution, plus a city-led undergrounding effort targeted for January 1, 2028, and a state-supported corridor project with $1.48 million in appropriations. County-managed stormwater funds must be expended by 2031; a consultant is being selected. The project targets rainfall flooding, not storm surge, though the consultant will evaluate related issues. - Emergency flooding concerns: After recent flooding at St. Armand's, Sarasota and Longboat Key officials worked overnight with the county; the county manages stormwater, with the city and town supporting. Officials said Sarasota has proposed a deeper evaluation of the stormwater system with possible future city assumption, and the county created a stormwater department. A commissioner said flood warning signs reading may flood should be changed because flooding is recurring. - Long-term design comments: Several commissioners expressed concern that $13.5 million may be only a band-aid and that residents need interim flood relief; city staff advised completing permitting and design properly rather than rushing, while noting rainfall intensity and sea-level rise make design standards difficult. - 10th Street and Boulevard of the Arts: The city has $12 million in federal funding and a $3 million city match for a design-build project; the 10th Street concept would change four lanes to two lanes from Orange to U.S. 41 with bicycle and pedestrian improvements. It originated from Sarasota in Motion, is subject to traffic studies, public input, intergovernmental review, and commission approval. Boulevard of the Arts is planned as the Rosemary District's main street with wider sidewalks, street trees, sidewalk cafes, and shared lanes, based in part on a 2021 survey with over 1,000 responses. - Advanced air mobility MOU: An airport-led regional memorandum of understanding is proposed with FDOT, the Sarasota-Manatee MPO, and local governments, covering possible air taxi, public service, cargo, and recreational aviation. Staff stressed the MOU is advisory, not an approval of service or facility. Target signature is before Thanksgiving, subject to partner review. In discussion, a commissioner noted Florida League of Cities will address stormwater policy the following day. - Water transit: Sarasota's dock infrastructure construction is paused, with no restart date; conceptual dock sites include Bay Street, 10th Street, Ken Thompson Park, and Bayfront Park. Staff has completed conceptual 30% design for two dock locations, and dock infrastructure at Centennial Park and 10th Street is built. Longboat officials and staff discussed regional ferry coordination, first/last-mile connections, seagrass permitting and mitigation costs, environmental opposition, and the need for a cost-benefit and regional partnership approach. FDOT Projects - Current John Ringling Causeway work: From east of Sunset Drive to Bird Key; $12.3 million construction began January 2026, with completion targeted for early 2027. Work includes bicycle transit lanes, new signals, resurfacing, drainage improvements, and a raised seawall cap near Sunset Drive. Staff said it addresses repeated flooding at the Sunset and Bird Key intersections. - Future bridge replacement: From Bird Key Drive to Sarasota Harbor West; $4 million design and an estimated $74 million construction. The tentative letting is 2028-2029, pending design. The proposed replacement is a single bridge with bicycle, pedestrian, and transit accommodations, coordinated with St. Armand's projects and addressing flooding at bridge approaches. Town of Longboat Key Subaqueous Force Main - Longboat Key Public Works Director Charlie Mott gave an update. The existing force main under Sarasota Bay or the Intracoastal Waterway was installed in 1970 and is ductile iron. The replacement would use high-density polyethylene pipe on a parallel route, allowing the old line to be relined or reused and providing extra storage capacity during storms. - A June 2020 rupture was repaired in 30 hours, followed by a consent order and mitigation. DEP permit approval came in January 2022, an Army Corps nationwide permit in 2023, and slip lining was completed on the impacted segment. With construction manager at risk Garney, the project moved to the individual Army Corps/DEP permit process after it outgrew the nationwide permit in February 2026; the town is responding to agency requests for additional information, with Army Corps and DEP staff expediting review. - Project cost is estimated at $30-40 million all-in, including seagrass and mangrove mitigation. Funding includes $3 million and $1.5 million federal appropriations, a $1 million Clean Water SRF grant, pre-purchased $4 million of pipe, and a zero-interest SRF loan portion with a debt-free/grant portion; remaining local funding is still needed. - Next steps include finalizing FDEP and Army Corps permits, finalizing the guaranteed maximum price, maintaining grant periods of performance, seeking additional grants and appropriations, and completing any public borrowing. The existing force main remains in service and is largely relined. Mott also requested renewal of the city's emergency potable water interconnect with Sarasota; Manatee County provides routine wastewater treatment for Longboat Key. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes were recorded; the meeting was a discussion and information-sharing session. - Both boards supported more regular joint conversation. Longboat Key staff proposed at least an annual joint meeting and offered to send staff to city meetings or workshops for follow-up on specific topics. - Sarasota commissioners requested future information exchanges on St. Armand's undergrounding experience, Longboat Key's planned roundabout, construction staging lessons from the St. Regis project, and Longboat Key's prior study regarding county alignment. - The water taxi agenda item was not separately presented because the city's earlier water transit discussion was considered to have covered it. - The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

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. Proclamation - The Commission recognized October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Talia Casey, Prevention and Outreach Advocate at SPARC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), accepted the proclamation and noted that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. She provided the SPARC 24/7 helpline: 941-365-1976. Public Comments & Testimony (First Session) Nine residents addressed the Commission on various topics: - Luke O'Brien urged the Commission to adopt written policies for the city's surveillance system, including license plate readers (LPRs), requiring warrants for queries, audit logs, retention limits, and public hearings before expansion. - Ed McCaffrey raised concerns about commercial overuse of the boat ramp, including unsafe crane operations and handicap parking violations by jet ski operators. He also pressed for action on Hart's Landing (Tony Saprito Pier), which has been vacant for over two years since storm damage. - Martin Hyde criticized the city's spending priorities, citing $200,000 for a noise report, $3 million for golf clubhouse and performing arts center designs, and a temporary housing allowance for the city manager, while Hart's Landing remains unrepaired. He noted the leaseholder offered to pay for rebuilding but was dismissed. - James Warren (with spouse Augustus Butter) described severe financial and emotional strain from a nearly four-year delay in closing on a condo at Villa Bellata due to an unresolved encroachment dispute between the city and the developer. He asked for a temporary certificate of occupancy for their unit. - Jan Capell argued that Flock cameras are unconstitutional, citing a Sarasota police officer arrested in August 2026 for illegally searching the database 335 times. She referenced bipartisan congressional investigations and called for removal of the cameras. - Catherine Hermes (business owner) listed numerous downtown businesses that closed in 2026 after snowbird season, stating 50% of customers vanish for six months. She warned that planned sidewalk construction could destroy remaining businesses. - Jack Wilhelm complained about a non-functional parking meter at a private lot, resulting in a $40 ticket, and requested a refund. - Torrell Salem (builder, Board of Adjustment member) alleged that nonprofit builders in the Newtown Conservation Historic Overlay District are allowed to use fill dirt to elevate lots, while for-profit builders must use more expensive stem walls. He claimed staff ignored his reports. - Logan Lopez opposed ALPRs (Flock/Axon), citing the August officer abuse and the city's contract termination clause (30 days' notice). He called for immediate contract termination. Public Comments & Testimony (Second Session) - David Lowe (resident) highlighted the success of Overton Square and urged the Commission to press forward with the Boulevard of the Arts Complete Street project and secure maximum public value from current investments. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda No. 1 was approved with Item VI.1 (Nature Park Phase 2 purchase order, $1,091,893) pulled for discussion. The remaining items (VI.2–VI.5, including FDOT agreements for pedestrian beacon, resurfacing, safety projects, and water meter replacements) were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda No. 2 (Resolutions 26R-3430 through 26R-3433 for FDOT project agreements and budget amendment) was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Nature Park Phase 2 (VI.1): Parks and Recreation staff presented plans for the next phase of the 100-acre Nature Park, including a bird blind (Feathered Friends Sanctuary), boardwalk overlook, and peninsula nature vista. Construction is expected to start in 2027, with completion by late spring/summer 2027. Commissioner Battie requested no-smoking signs; Commissioner Ahern-Koch asked for signage discouraging feeding bread to birds. Approved unanimously. - Board of Adjustment Annual Report (V.1): Chair Lawrence Cherry and staff reported that the board heard 10 variance applications (6 residential, 4 commercial) and 2 appeals in 2026. Commissioners encouraged the board to flag ambiguous code language for future text amendments. Received and approved unanimously. - Board Appointments (VIII): - Parks, Recreation & Environmental Protection Advisory Board: Sierra Dickerson appointed to the seat designated for RL Taylor Community Complex interest. - Public Art Committee STAR Program: Kristen Villa appointed. - A previously appointed STAR student (Sebastian Kirby) on the Parks Board was suspended for non-attendance; Wendalee appointed as replacement. - Rezoning – Marian Anderson Place (IX.1): Second reading of Ordinance 25-5582 to rezone 9.22 acres at 2046 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way from CRD to IGD. The Commission discussed the condition prohibiting certain uses, specifically the phrase "substantially similar materials." After debate, the condition was left as written. The ordinance passed unanimously. - School Zone Safety Program Annual Report (IX.2): From July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, 34,038 violations were issued; 114 contested (102 sustained); 6,596 resulted in uniform traffic citations; 24,614 paid. Revenue: $532,240 to state, $1,037,868 to city, $319,344 to Sarasota County Schools. A 70% reduction in speeding was observed compared to pre-program testing. Accepted unanimously. - Intersection Safety Program (Red Light Camera) Annual Report (IX.3): 32,946 violations; 68 contested (67 sustained); 4,710 resulted in uniform traffic citations; 25,793 paid. Revenue: $2,128,950 to state, $2,249,574.43 to city. Among the 20 original cameras, a 18% reduction in violations was observed year-over-year. Accepted unanimously. - Zoning Code Amendments (X.1) – Ordinance 26-5611: The Commission held a legislative public hearing on a batch of 17 zoning text amendments. Following public testimony from two IV therapy/med spa operators, the Commission debated several items. - Item 4 (Minimum Parking for Motor Vehicle Repair): Removed by Vice Mayor due to concerns about under-parking. - Item 17 (Mobile Food Trucks in Downtown Bayfront): Initially removed, then added back as a provisional use with a 24-month sunset review period via a separate motion. - All other amendments (covering drainage plans, technical deviations, fence materials, platform lifts, public art contributions, etc.) were approved as part of the main motion. - A subsequent motion to reinstate Item 4 failed for lack of a second. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Minutes of September 8, 2026 (regular and special) approved unanimously. - Board of Adjustment annual report received unanimously. - Consent Agenda No. 1 (excluding VI.1) approved; VI.1 separately approved. - Consent Agenda No. 2 approved. - Appointments: Sierra Dickerson (Parks Board), Kristen Villa (Public Art STAR), Wendalee (Parks Board STAR) approved. - Ordinance 25-5582 (rezoning) approved on second reading unanimously. - School Zone Safety and Intersection Safety reports accepted unanimously. - Ordinance 26-5611 (zoning text amendments) approved as amended (excluding Item 4, including Item 17 with 24-month review) unanimously. - Motion to add mobile food trucks as provisional use in Downtown Bayfront with 24-month review approved unanimously. - Directives: - Staff to investigate nonprofit builder fill practices in Newtown overlay. - City Manager to explore temporary certificate of occupancy for Villa Bellata. - Parking Division to be consolidated with Police Department effective October 28, 2026. - Continued communication on FEMA-related delays for Hart's Landing and other storm repair projects. - Police Department to host public open house on real-time operations center and LPR technology.

The Sarasota City Commission convened a special meeting at approximately 1:30 PM on September 22, 2026, to discuss settlement negotiations and strategy in the lawsuit Frederick Reigle v. City of Sarasota and Sarasota County (Case No. 2025 CA 001074 NC). The meeting consisted of an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and a closed attorney-client session. No public comments were received. After the closed session, the Commission reconvened in open session and took action on the case. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Input portion of the meeting; the Mayor moved directly to the agenda item. Closed Attorney Client Session - The Commission recessed at 1:34 PM into a closed session in Room 109 to discuss settlement negotiations and strategy. Upon reconvening at 1:57 PM, City Attorney Polsack stated that no votes were taken during the closed portion. Key Outcomes - A motion was made and seconded to approve the settlement in the case of Frederick Reigle v. City of Sarasota and Sarasota County, Case No. 2025 CA 001074 NC, in exchange for a fully executed release. The motion was corrected to reflect the correct plaintiff name (Frederick Reigle) and passed unanimously by the Commission.

The City Commission met in regular session on September 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Commission Chambers at City Hall (1565 First Street, Sarasota, Florida), recessed for lunch, and reconvened at 2:15 PM. The agenda included two scheduled presentations (the ALICE Report and the new attainable housing dashboard), two consent agendas, the PREP Advisory Board's park-zoning recommendation, a detailed Phase 1 Sound Study presentation with public comment, three legislative public hearings, and citizen input. All votes were unanimous except the Vice Mayor's sound-enforcement motion, which passed 3–2. Scheduled Presentations - ALICE Report: Doug Griesenauer (listed in the agenda as "Grizdenauer"), Vice President of Community Impact for United Way Sun Coast, presented ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data. He said Florida ranks 47th among the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., with 4.3 million of the state's 9.1 million households below the ALICE threshold. In United Way Sun Coast's five-county region, 44% of households (655,000) are struggling; in Sarasota County the figure is 42% (just under 100,000 households); and in the City of Sarasota it is 49% of households. He reported a city poverty rate of 14% and noted that Newtown has an 18% poverty rate with 57% of households below ALICE. He estimated that a family of four with two children in childcare needs about $108,000 per year to get by in Sarasota (vs. a $91,000 Florida average), and that the number of struggling individuals in the area has risen from roughly 50,000 in 2014–2018 to about 75,000 now. He recommended connecting people to 211, family-friendly workplaces, policies that reduce the cost of living, and leading "with dignity." In response to questions, he discussed the "fiscal cliff" (loss of benefits from small wage increases) and United Way's free financial coaching programs. Vice Mayor Ohlrich asked that 211 be promoted in the city's weekly newsletter and on its website. - Attainable Housing Dashboard: Chief Planner Brianna Dobbs and Planner Philochamy Gangbo demonstrated a new interactive ArcGIS-based dashboard showing the city's attainable/affordable housing developments, with filters for status, income level, developer type, occupancy, and Live Local program participation. They reported that 2026 area median income (AMI) for a family of four in the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton MSA is approximately $114,100; dashboard units break down as 72.53% at 80% AMI, 5.86% at 81–99% AMI, and 21.61% at 100–120% AMI. Commissioner Battie asked about the three Live Local projects (identified as Sarasota Station, Temple Beth, and a third downtown project). The Vice Mayor proposed a letter from the Mayor thanking planner Rebecca Webster for creating the dashboard as a graduate project. The Mayor asked about adding links to waiting lists or contact information, which staff said could be explored. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda No. 1: Approved unanimously. Items included the opiate-litigation Resolution and Release Agreement with Publix Super Markets, Inc. (City of Sarasota v. Walgreen Co., et al.); a Municipal Services and Pre-Annexation Agreement with Clayton and Jennifer Owens for 4323 Central Avenue; the FY 2026–27 liability insurance renewal brokered by Brown & Brown at a total cost of $595,652.00 (a 3.96% year-over-year decrease); and a City-Wide Janitorial Services agreement with Clean Space Inc. (RFP 26-28SH) at approximately $475,700 annually. Commissioner Ahern-Koch pulled items 6.5 and 6.6 for presentations on police fleet maintenance (Sunset Chevrolet, piggyback of Sourcewell Master Agreement 080124) and city-wide vehicle purchases (Alan Jay Fleet Sales, piggyback of Sourcewell Master Agreement 081325, not to exceed $2,000,000); both were approved unanimously after staff explained that funding was already budgeted and that the cooperative procurement mechanism saves money. - Consent Agenda No. 2: Approved unanimously. Items included two Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund supplemental budgets ($100,000 and $15,000 for donations to qualified organizations under F.S. 932.7055); the SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan for fiscal years 2026–2028; a $1,400,000 HUD grant budget with a partial CRA match; and, pulled for a separate express vote by Commissioner Ahern-Koch, Ordinance No. 26-5607 (second reading), updating level-of-service projects in the Capital Improvements Chapter of the Sarasota City Plan. Public Comments & Testimony Morning Citizens' Input: - Christine Robinson, CEO of the Argus Foundation, expressed support for the sound-study process as "inclusive and data-driven" and asked the Commission to let Siebein Acoustic finish the recommended additional testing before changing the noise ordinance, noting that the July measurements do not reflect in-season downtown conditions. - Catherine Hermes, a resident and business owner, questioned whether the parking division exists to serve the public or to generate revenue, citing a roughly $1 million year-over-year cost increase, with one-third of the budget from garages and 40% from meters, and argued that poor signage (especially between public and private lots) drives ticketing and confusion. Sound Study Public Comment (Agenda Item IX.1): - Steve Martinucci asked the Commission to add oversight criteria to the school noise exemption. He said a school-board-commissioned sound study showed Sarasota High School stadium sound at 100 dBA at the source and 74 dBA at the property line, batting cages at 95 dBA 80 feet away, and the new HVAC system at 80 dBA at the source and 55 dBA at the property line; he played a recording of nighttime noise. - John Bordeaux, a full-time downtown resident, opposed proposed daytime limits of 75–80 dBA, arguing that 75 dBA is about twice as loud as 65 dBA and that 65 dBA matches most peer Florida cities. - David Lowe, a DISCO board member, urged incremental action now, citing roughly 1,000 new residential units under construction downtown, and said enforcement cannot rest solely on the police department. - Linda Kitch, a Bay Street resident, described years of amplified PA noise from Sarasota High School and invited in-home measurements; she supported physical mitigation rather than relying on "likely exempt" determinations. - Chris Fulker, a resident and business owner, commended the process and supported completing the study before adopting new rules to avoid the uncertainty experienced with parking policy. - Flo Entler, a 37-year resident, said she has sought a sound ordinance fix since 2019, opposed requiring a formal complaint before enforcement, questioned the proposed 90-day trial and warning periods, and asked for a simple enforceable citywide standard. - Linda Haller-Sloan, a downtown resident, urged a fair balance, citing health effects of loud sound, First Amendment law on sound regulation, and the value of downtown residents to safety and the tax base. - Kelly Brown, a Gillespie Park resident, described Thursday–Sunday late-night engine and motorcycle noise and asked the city to consider limiting construction hours so residents can enjoy Sunday afternoons. Afternoon Citizens' Input: - Henry Kawadi, a St. Armand's resident, reported that his home was the first in Sarasota to receive variances for a home elevation project (five variances in March), and that two other flooded properties have since received all requested variances. He asked the Commission to establish reasonable zoning parameters for elevation-project variations to reduce cost and speed storm recovery and resiliency. Discussion Items Parks Space Zoning (Agenda Item V.1): PREP Advisory Board Chair Carl Schelfstall presented the board's unanimous July 16, 2026 motion (6–0) recommending that the City Commission "prioritize a common zoning category for all current and future parks, recreation, and open spaces located within the city limits." The City Manager recommended a deliberate, comprehensive process rather than a hasty rezone, noting the city has roughly 63 parks with varied uses, and tied the discussion to the proposed parks district and strategic planning. The Commission received the report unanimously. Phase 1 Sound Study and Phase 2 Planning (Agenda Item IX.1): The City Attorney introduced Siebein Acoustic (Gary Siebein, Keely Siebein, and University of Florida professor Martin Gold) and described the legal and governance framework. The team reported deploying eight long-term sound meters over seven days, conducting sound walks and overnight ride-alongs with SPD, holding stakeholder meetings, and collecting 1,456 survey responses (about 2.5% of residents). Key findings: downtown ambient levels of roughly 58–65 dBA; special-event measurements reaching 70–95 dBA at a residential receiver; low-frequency bass traveling much farther than A-weighted sound would suggest; vehicle revving and car stereos identified as top concerns (in Newtown, 68% of 71 survey respondents cited loud music from cars and 26% cited amplified music reaching their homes); and more than 80% of survey respondents had never filed a formal complaint. The team recommended Phase 2 testing of current limits (day 75 dBA/80 dBC; night 65 dBA/70 dBC) against in-season data, possible source-level measurement 5–10 feet from venue doors, a "plainly audible" provision, motor-vehicle enforcement under Florida Statutes (316.272, 316.293, 316.3045), formation of an interdisciplinary "sound team" (SPD, code enforcement, special events), and acoustical planning and zoning controls (e.g., OITC ratings) for new development. Commissioners probed A- vs. C-weighting, indoor sound reduction (30–35 dB for insulated glass), federal day-night average sound levels (measured LDNs of 66–80 exceeded the 65 LDN residential guidance), school noise, and spot-enforcement feasibility. Public comment urged both completing the data collection and taking immediate enforcement steps. - Motions: The Commission voted unanimously to receive the Phase 1 report and to proceed with Phases 2 and 3 in accordance with the scope, objectives, and policy direction established by the Commission (including stakeholder engagement and development of regulatory standards, measurement protocols, enforcement procedures, and implementation measures) and to return with a proposed ordinance. The Vice Mayor's third motion — to establish a sound enforcement team, begin enforcement of engine-revving and vehicle music consistent with the existing ordinance and Florida law, and begin discussions with the Sarasota School District — passed 3–2, after Commissioner Alpert opposed it as premature without staff analysis of capacity, training, and legal constraints. The City Attorney said staff would explore the team's formation and report back. The Commission also unanimously approved amendments to the special-event sound permit: measurement at 100 feet from the main loudspeakers and replacing "and" with "or" between the dBA and dBC limits. Legislative Public Hearing – Resolution 26R-3410 (Affordable Housing Property Inventory): The Office of Housing and Community Development presented the annual inventory of city-owned fee-simple properties appropriate for affordable housing, as required by Section 166.0451, Florida Statutes. Staff noted prior successes (Heroes Village and nine Habitat for Humanity sites under construction) and said the listed sites are carried over from previous inventories. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Legislative Public Hearing – Ordinance 26-5598 (Certified Recovery Residences), First Reading: City attorney Bach, appearing by Zoom, explained that state law requires a local process for certified recovery residences to apply for approval or reasonable accommodations (e.g., exceeding the limit on unrelated adults in a single-family home), with applications reviewed within 60 days. The ordinance was approved unanimously on first reading. Public Hearing – Mutual Termination of the 2017 Development Agreement (Quincy Real Estate Holdings, LLC / Weekley Homes, LLC – Payne Park Villages): Deputy City Attorney Shamsy and attorney Dan Bailey presented a proposed mutual termination of the 2017 Amended and Restated Development Agreement covering the 9.55-acre Payne Park Villages site. The 0.87-acre Quincy parcel (295 South School Avenue) currently holds unused entitlements for either a 100-room hotel with a 4,000 sq ft restaurant or 62,000 sq ft of office space. The termination would extinguish those entitlements and take effect only after final city approval of a new "On the Park" site plan, described as a five-story building with 48 multifamily rental apartments, 25 of them affordable (52%) at or below 80% of Sarasota County AMI for 41 years, a roughly 1,300 sq ft ground-floor retail component, financing tied to the Live Local Act and a $4.2 million county Title I grant, and a future transfer to One Stop Housing of Sarasota LLC. Quincy representatives said the new project would not use extra height or density. The Vice Mayor requested written concurrence from Weekley Homes before the second hearing; Commissioner Alpert asked the developer to consider affordability for the life of the building. The Commission unanimously set the final termination agreement for a required second public hearing on October 19, 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda, the August 17, 2026 minutes, and both consent agendas (with pulled items 6.5, 6.6, and 7.5 approved separately) — all unanimously. - Received the PREP Advisory Board's park-zoning recommendation (unanimous). - Received the Phase 1 Sound Study report and authorized Phase 2/3 work returning with a proposed ordinance (unanimous). - Established a sound enforcement team and directed school-district discussions (3–2); approved special-event sound permit changes (unanimous). - Adopted Resolution 26R-3410 (affordable housing inventory) and approved Ordinance 26-5598 on first reading (both unanimous). - Set the Quincy/Weekley development-agreement termination for a second public hearing on October 19, 2026 (unanimous). - The Commission adjourned, with a separate evening session scheduled for 5:30 PM.

The Sarasota City Commission held a special meeting on September 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM to conduct second public hearings on six budget resolutions setting millage rates and approving budgets for the City of Sarasota, the Golden Gate Point Streetscape Special District, and the Downtown Improvement District for fiscal year 2026–2027. The meeting also included public comments on a proposed transportation chapter rewrite and capital improvement projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Non‑Budget Public Comment: Dan Lobeck, a resident, business owner, and citizen advocate, spoke during the non‑budget public comment period. He expressed strong opposition to the proposed rewrite of the transportation chapter, arguing that under Senate Bill 180, the city cannot impose new burdens on developers. He urged the commission to split the amendment, as done nine years ago, and to keep existing controls. He distributed a staff report from the Florida Department of Commerce and FDOT. - Budget Public Hearing: Three speakers addressed the budget: - John Harshman, a city resident, advocated for zero‑based budgeting, where each department starts from zero annually, and suggested performance incentives for staff. He encouraged forward‑looking efficiency. - Martin Hyde criticized the budget as profligate, noting that 49% of city residents are asset‑limited, income‑constrained, employed (ALICE) while the general fund expense increased 80% vs. 41.5% inflation. He proposed a three‑year hiring moratorium and prioritizing needs (e.g., homeless support, law enforcement) over wants (e.g., performing arts center design, golf course clubhouse). - Dan Lobeck (also spoke during budget item) urged the commission to direct staff to amend the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) by removing the two‑lane reduction on 10th Street (a “road diet” project), arguing that potential development at the eastern terminus (Sarasota Military Academy site) could create untenable traffic. He suggested shifting federal funds to Boulevard of the Arts improvements without lane reductions. Discussion Items - 10th Street / Boulevard of the Arts Complete Streets Project: Commissioners questioned Public Works Director Nick Patel about traffic impacts, safety, and multimodal benefits. Commissioner Alpert supported the project, citing success on Ringling Boulevard (roundabouts, pedestrian improvements). Commissioner Battie expressed skepticism about achieving a mode shift and noted congestion during peak times. Patel confirmed a traffic study is underway that will include future development (e.g., McCowan Towers, Bay Park garage) and will ensure compliance with Florida Green Book standards. If lane repurposing is not feasible, the project will be brought back for public input and commission decision. - Transportation Chapter Update Timeline: Commissioner Ahern‑Koch asked City Attorney Farling for the schedule. Farling replied that staff are incorporating feedback from state commerce officials and expect to provide a public update in early November 2026. Key Outcomes - The commission closed the public hearing and voted on each resolution separately. All six resolutions passed unanimously (roll‑call votes: all commissioners voted yes on each). - Resolution 26R‑3417 (City general fund operating millage at 3.2730, aggregate 3.3430) – adopted. - Resolution 26R‑3418 (City budget for fiscal year 2026–2027) – approved. - Resolution 26R‑3419 (Golden Gate Point Streetscape Special District millage: operating 0.6148, debt service 0.4977) – approved. - Resolution 26R‑3420 (Golden Gate Point Streetscape Special District budget) – approved. - Resolution 26R‑3421 (Downtown Improvement District operating millage at 2.0000) – adopted. - Resolution 26R‑3422 (Downtown Improvement District budget) – approved. - Commissioners expressed gratitude to Finance Director Kelly Strickland and staff for their work through a challenging budget cycle with multiple city manager transitions.