Sarasota street maintenance
To: Sarasota City Commission
When was the last time you walked around downtown? I don’t mean just Main Street or the popular shopping areas…I challenge you to take a stroll along the 300 block of S. Pineapple Avenue. Last week when I did, I was amazed and ashamed at the weeds that were growing up out of sidewalk cracks and beside traffic and parking signs. One, in the popular Burns Court area, was growing up between a storefront and the sidewalk and was over 3 feet high! Sarasota is one of the most beautiful cities in our country; perhaps we need a “weed patrol” to ensure that all of our downtown neighborhoods are being taken care of properly. Thank you.
Jim Owen
Watertown, SD
Public Funds
To: Longboat Key Commission
The purpose of this email is to respond to a question posed by the Commission regarding the Town’s ability to expend public funds opposing certain property tax measures that are likely to be advanced by the State by referendum in the fall of 2026. The question implicates an interpretation of Section 106.113, F.S., and the prohibitions set forth in that statute in terms of public fund expenditures.
Attorney Amy Farrington and I previously provided guidance on this subject to the Town Commission in the form of an August 2024 Memorandum relating to “Expenditures on Public Advertising Associated with Referendums.” A copy of that Memorandum is attached for reference. That Memo includes a review of Section 106.113, F.S. and its most recent amendments. Specifically, section 106.113, F.S. was amended in 2022 to include a specific prohibition against the expenditure of local government funds for certain communications concerning an issue or question that is subject to a vote of the electors.
Subsection (2) specifically provides:
A local government or a person acting on behalf of local government may not expend or authorize the expenditure of, and a person or group may not accept, public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum, or amendment, including any state question, that is subject to a vote of the electors. This subsection applies to a communication initiated by a local government or a person acting on behalf of a local government, irrespective of whether the communication is limited to factual information or advocates for the passage or defeat of an issue, referendum, or amendment. This subsection does not preclude a local government or a person acting on behalf of a local government from reporting on official actions of the local government’s governing body in an accurate, fair, and impartial manner; posting factual information on a government website or in printed materials; hosting and providing information at a public forum; providing factual information in response to an inquiry; or providing information as otherwise authorized or required by law (emphasis added).
As far as we can tell, the particular scenario posed by the Town Commission has not been addressed through advisory opinions (Attorney General, Florida Elections Commission or Division of Elections) or caselaw since the 2022 amendment. There are a few instances of cases regarding this section of law, but they were all determined before the 2022 amendment. Without additional guidance, the statute lays out that these communications are prohibited for any issue “that is subject to a vote of the electors.” The statute is not entirely clear as to whether the resolution or amendment has to be approved/scheduled for a ballot or if it just goes to an issue that is expected to go before the voters. The bill analysis also did not provide any further guidance regarding that particular sentence in the statute. That said, any property tax amendments or changes to the Florida Constitution would predictably go before the voters through a referendum vote.
As a result, at this time, we recommend that the Town not spend public funds opposing these measures even if the referendum questions have not been finalized yet. Instead, we would recommend that the Town continue to focus on what the Town can do to inform the voting public regarding the (negative) impacts and consequences of such referendum measures (e.g. post factual information on their website, hosting information at a public forum, etc.). Again, the attached memo provides more detailed information as to what is not prohibited.
Maggie Mooney
Town Attorney
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Longboat Key Commission
Attached is the response that we have received from the Manatee Property Appraiser’s Office. It would appear that while this year is lost, that next year their plan is to restore the valuation base to its prior condition. We’ll be exploring all of this with the Manatee Appraiser’s Office when we speak with them.
Also, Town staff did meet today with the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s Office to understand their processes in storm events and some of the best practices they mentioned we will cover with the Manatee Appraiser’s Office when we meet with them (no date yet for that meeting).
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Request for Meeting to Discuss Property Valuations Within the Town of Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
In response to your letter dated November 19, please find enclosed brief responses to the questions outlined therein. Additionally, I have included the applicable Florida statutes governing the valuation of properties damaged by catastrophic events.
Should you wish to meet in person to obtain further clarification, please contact our Executive Director, Barbara Richardson, to arrange a mutually convenient date, time, and location.
Please note that there is a defined statutory window during which a taxpayer may request a review and possible correction to the tax roll. This window begins on the date the TRIM notices are mailed and closes 25 days thereafter. For this year, TRIM notices were mailed on August 18. I am not aware of any other period designated for such corrections.
Tracy L. West
Director-Appraisal Services
Manatee County Property Appraisers Office
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Manatee County Property Appraisers Office Director Tracy West
The Town has been advised today that there is a window in which Property Appraisers can make corrections to inaccurate valuations and that this window may currently be open. If this is correct, will the Manatee Property Appraisers Office be making any value adjustments now that you’ve been advised of a number of incorrect valuations for Longboat Key? Looking forward to receiving your response.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Manatee County Property Appraisers Office Director Tracy West
My Vice-Mayor Debra Williams mentioned she spoke with you today and came away with the feeling that the Property Appraiser’s Office had responded to our initial questions.
On Friday I received the following email from Mr. Hackney stating a response would be coming the first of this week. Although we haven’t received anything yet, we look forward to reviewing and the opportunity for a follow up discussion. Just wanted to make sure we’re all on the same page and that if a response has been sent it hasn’t been received in my office as of this date and time. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
Please be aware that by utilizing the Manatee County Property Appraiser’s email system, your email messages may be subject to interception for the purpose of detecting and preventing malicious emails. Mr. Tipton, I apologize for the delay in responding to your request regarding the valuations on Longboat Key. I had surgery and was out of the office last week. My staff has been reviewing your questions and will have our answers the first of the week. When you receive our response, please take time to study our answers and after you get a chance to digest our answers, call and we can set up a meeting to go over your concerns. I look forward to meeting with you next week.
Charles Hackney
Manatee County Property Appraisers Office
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Manatee County Property Appraisers Office Charles Hackney
The Town has not had a response from your office regarding the attached letter sent to you on November 19th. This is a matter of critical importance to not only the Town but to other Manatee taxing authorities and our residents. A meeting to understand what has occurred is essential to moving forward and I again request that we get a time scheduled to discuss.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from your office shortly.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Ohana
To: Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier
At your Commission Meeting on December 8th, you stated that you had asked “staff” to reach out to the new owners of Ohana on the issue of customary cross-over access. Today I attended Mr. Tipton’s town managers meeting and he stated that it might be “tricky” for staff to approach the owners since it might be seen as “intimidation”.. We have a group of citizens who are willing to be involved with meeting the new owners, but we feel the town’s involvement is appropriate and necessary. I do not know which “staff” member was asked to help in this matter. Could you please let me know who the best staff person would be to work with us on this approach?
Many thanks!
Patricia DeChiara
Longboat Key
Longboat Key Property Valuations
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
I had an executive committee meeting with the Manasota League, and Holmes Beach had a vastly different experience with the appraiser office. May be worth a phone call
BJ Bishop
Commissioner
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Property Valuations
To: Longboat Key Commission
Attached is the response that we have received from the Manatee Property Appraiser’s Office. It would appear that while this year is lost, that next year their plan is to restore the valuation base to its prior condition. We’ll be exploring all of this with the Manatee Appraiser’s Office when we speak with them.
Also, Town staff did meet today with the Sarasota Property Appraiser’s Office to understand their processes in storm events and some of the best practices they mentioned we will cover with the Manatee Appraiser’s Office when we meet with them (no date yet for that meeting).
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Request for Meeting to Discuss Property Valuations Within the Town of Longboat Key
To: Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton
In response to your letter dated November 19, please find enclosed brief responses to the questions outlined therein. Additionally, I have included the applicable Florida statutes governing the valuation of properties damaged by catastrophic events.
Should you wish to meet in person to obtain further clarification, please contact our Executive Director, Barbara Richardson, to arrange a mutually convenient date, time, and location.
Please note that there is a defined statutory window during which a taxpayer may request a review and possible correction to the tax roll. This window begins on the date the TRIM notices are mailed and closes 25 days thereafter. For this year, TRIM notices were mailed on August 18. I am not aware of any other period designated for such corrections.
Tracy L. West
Director-Appraisal Services
Manatee County Property Appraisers Office
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Manatee County Property Appraisers Office Director Tracy West
The Town has been advised today that there is a window in which Property Appraisers can make corrections to inaccurate valuations and that this window may currently be open. If this is correct, will the Manatee Property Appraisers Office be making any value adjustments now that you’ve been advised of a number of incorrect valuations for Longboat Key? Looking forward to receiving your response.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Longboat Key Valuations
To: Manatee County Property Appraisers Office Director Tracy West
My Vice-Mayor Debra Williams mentioned she spoke with you today and came away with the feeling that the Property Appraiser’s Office had responded to our initial questions.
On Friday I received the following email from Mr. Hackney stating a response would be coming the first of this week. Although we haven’t received anything yet, we look forward to reviewing and the opportunity for a follow up discussion. Just wanted to make sure we’re all on the same page and that if a response has been sent it hasn’t been received in my office as of this date and time. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Howard N. Tipton
Town Manager
Town of Longboat Key
Suncoast Waterkeeper Sampling Results for Dec. 5
To: Longboat Key Commission, Sarasota City Commission
On December 8, Monday, the enterococci survey was carried out during a low tide to a rising tide, from -0.5 to -0.1 feet. There was a considerable amount of rain the night before; in the 24 hours prior to sampling, the amount of rainfall ranged from 0.28 to 1.71 inches.
The water was murky with sediments, and the bottom was not visible at Caples Bayfront, Indian Beach, The Bay Park, and Sarasota Sailing Squadron. There was 1 dog in the water at The Bay Park. There were several birds and visible bird feces (white floating bits) at Sarasota Sailing Squadron. At Indian Beach (pictured below), the sand had been pushed further from the stormwater pipe, indicating that it was discharging a high volume of water during the rain event.
While the water was clear, thick wrack was present on the bottom and shore at Longboat Key Bayfront Park and Longboat Key Boat Ramp. The shoreline was very mucky at Herb Dolan Park, where there was also a lot of wrack on the bottom and shore. Horses were in the water at Palma Sola Bay, in the northeast corner, about 300 meters away from the sampling area. The water at Braden River was murky with sediments and the bottom consisted of leaf litter. The water was clear at Palmetto Bridge. At Emerson Point Preserve, wrack was coming in towards the shore with the current. The water was slightly murky with sediments at Terra Ceia Bay, and 2 dead adult horseshoe crabs were observed on the shore.
The results for sites sampled in the northern suncoast (across Manatee & Sarasota Counties) are as follows:
Caples: 185/100 mL
Indian Beach: 5172/100 mL
The Bay Park, Boulevard of the Arts: 74/100 mL
Sarasota Sailing Squadron: 175/100 mL
Longboat Key Bayfront Park (bay side): 341/100 mL
Town of Longboat Key Boat Ramp: 281/100 mL
Herb Dolan Park: 122/100 mL
Palma Sola Causeway North: 213/100 mL
Braden River: 544/100 mL
Palmetto Bridge: 86/100 mL
Emerson Point: 10/100 mL
Terra Ceia Bay: 230/100 mL
Any count exceeding 71 is considered unsafe for swimming, indicating a potential health concern. The standard for enterococci in Class II and Class III Marine waters is “MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly geometric mean of 35 nor exceed the Ten Percent Threshold Value (TPTV) of 130 in 10% or more of the samples during any 30-day period.
We are committed to bringing these critical issues to your attention and believe your active involvement is crucial. The official reports for this week’s sampling activities, courtesy of Benchmark Enviroanalytical, are attached to this email. We want to encourage you to direct all questions, suggestions for additional analysis, and feedback to Dr. Abbey Tyrna at Executivedirector@suncoastwaterkeeper.org and Pia Ronquillo-See at waterquality@suncoastwaterkeeper.org. Your input is invaluable in our collective efforts to address these water quality issues.
Pia Ronquillo-See
Suncoast Waterkeeper
14th Street Speed Table
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
As requested, please find below an update on speed tables on 14th street (between US 41 and Cocoanut Ave) in preparation for an upcoming Central Cocoanut Neighborhood meeting.
During the traffic calming process, two speed tables were proposed on 14th Street.
Only one speed table (between 1254 and 1258 14th Street) received agreement from adjacent neighbors.
This speed table was designed in-house (attached plan for your reference).
Due to limited funds, construction was not completed last FY.
Staff have now started the process for a purchase order (PO) to one of the City’s “continuing services” contractors.
Once the PO is completed/Notice to Proceed issued, staff will coordinate with the contractor for scheduling.
Upon scheduling and right of way use permits construction can begin.
Construction is anticipated to start soon, early 2026. Staff will notify residents before construction begins.
Sage Kamiya
City Engineer
City of Sarasota
14th Street Speed Table
To: Sarasota City Engineer Sage Kamiya
Thank you Mr Kamyia for your quick response, I know the neighborhood will appreciate N update tonight! Thank you all for the quick turnaround. Have a lovely evening,
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
MLK Update
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I hope your day is going well. Mr. Bullock reached out to me to provide you with an update regarding the MLK project. Please see the below update.
Regarding, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the City and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program are partnering to improve both the park and shoreline for park users, along with water quality improvements. The City will focus on improving the park, while the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will focus on shoreline restoration to increase access to Whitaker Bayou, and add natural features to improve water quality. The City’s project is out to bid. The bidding will close on January 15, 2026, and a contractor will be selected for the project. The tentative timeline for the City’s project to be completed is June 2026. I believe the tentative timeline for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s project to be completed is March 2026.
City’s Improvements: (May not be inclusive of all improvements):
Bench Swing
Seat Wall
Picnic Shelters
New Paver Plaza (Flex Space)
Picnic Tables
Benches (Variety)
Bike Racks
Ping Pong Tables
Chess/Checker Tables
New Walkways (ADA Compliant)
Lighting (Poles and Bollards)
Landscaping (Shrubs/Florida Coontie/Pink Muhly Grass/etc.)
Trees (Live Oaks/Mahogany/etc.)
Parking Lot Improvements
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s Improvements: (May not be inclusive of all improvements):
Kayak Launch
Tiered Terrace
Upland Planting (5,775 square feet)
Marsh Planting (1,231 square feet)
Plants in Existing Dry Stormwater Pond
Plants in Existing Swale
Shoreline Restoration
Wishing you and your family nothing but the best for the holiday season and 2026!
Jerry Fogle
Director Parks and Recreation Director
City of Sarasota
MLK Update
To: Sarasota City Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle
I appreciate the detailed email and turned around in ten seconds! Thank you all! Much appreciated!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Urgent Assistance Requested, North Tamiami Construction Site Impacting Local Businesses
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
My name is Andrea Ronchini, I had your contact information from Vanessa Bough, I am the owner of RONC (Ronchini Food Inc.), a small, locally owned food business located on North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
I am writing to bring to your attention the severe economic impact that the ongoing construction on North Tamiami Trail is having on my business. Since the construction began, customer access, visibility, and traffic to my location have been dramatically reduced. Despite my best efforts to adapt, sales have dropped to a level that is no longer sustainable.
RONC employs local workers and serves the surrounding community with freshly made food and coffee. Like many small businesses, we operate on tight margins, and this prolonged disruption is putting us at serious risk of closure. Without some form of assistance or intervention, I may be forced to shut down, which would mean job losses and the disappearance of another local small business.
I fully understand that infrastructure improvements are necessary, but I respectfully ask for the City’s help in mitigating the damage being caused to businesses like mine. This could include:
Improved signage directing customers to open businesses
Temporary financial or tax relief
Rent or utility assistance programs
Any other support the City can offer to help us survive this period
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you or a member of your team to discuss possible solutions. My goal is simple: to stay open, keep my employees working, and continue serving the Sarasota community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope the City will stand with its small businesses during this difficult time.
Andrea Ronchini
Sarasota
Urgent Assistance Requested, North Tamiami Construction Site Impacting Local Businesses
To: Andrea Ronchini
I’m sorry to hear what is occurring in your business due to the infrastructure construction. I’m copying the interim city manager and deputy city manager with this response so the appropriate staff can respond regarding what, if anything, we can do.
Liz Alpert
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search
To: Sarasota City Commission
As a follow-up to my prior email, I am writing regarding the City Manager search and the upcoming meetings. After discussions with the City Attorney and a review of the Commissioners’ request, it is our recommendation that applications no longer be accepted after the December 12 deadline. Following the Commission’s review, should you decide not to move forward with any of the candidates, the application period may be reopened at that time.
Next Steps in the Process:
Once Sumpter has completed its review of the applications, the firm will transmit them via Cloudbox so they may be redacted for legal purposes prior to distribution to the Commission. Sumpter has indicated they are on track to submit the applications by Friday or Monday.
Staff will proceed with scheduling a Special Meeting with the Commission on January 13, 2026, to discuss the applications. Representatives from Sumpter will be present to facilitate the discussion. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
City Manager Search Update
To: Sarasota City Commission
Following our conversation with Warren earlier today, I’d like to share a brief update on the City Manager search. The initial review of resumes is underway as of Friday December 12th, officially launching Sumter’s evaluation process. To date, Sumter Consulting has received 76 applications. The position will remain open until filled, which will allow the firm to consider additional strong candidates who may apply after today. Warren anticipates that the initial report will be ready within the next week or so.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
Shayla Griggs
City Clerk
City of Sarasota
Street Lighting
To: Sarasota City Manager Dave Bullock
On Friday, a couple approached me concerned about inadequate street lighting. The woman had tripped on broken, uneven sidewalk at Cocoanut and either 4th or 5th where the street lights were out. I tried to deflect it to The Modern Hotel. I usually recommend Click-2-Fix. I also cited problems arising from construction.
Last night, walking home from the Boat Parade, I recognized that almost all of the street lights along Cocoanut from Fruitville to BotA are out, including along the McCown perimeter. (I don’t know if there are supposed to be lights on 4th and 5th west of Cocoanut; if there are, they aren’t working either and the area is very dark.)
Why do street lights stop working next to construction sites? Do they cut the lines? Can we restore power / reroute power lines so that lights are not out for a year or more during construction? …and at least make sure street lights are not off on both sides of the street.
There are random street lights out in other locations. I learned many years ago that residents need to report these outages, because the City doesn’t know otherwise. Maybe a periodic PSA to that effect would be useful, especially in the winter months after Daylight Savings Time ends and more activity occurs after dark. Thanks for looking into this.
Debbie Trice
Mayor, City of Sarasota
Limelight District – Flooding Concerns and Drainage Coordination
To: Sarasota City Public Works Director Nik Patel
My biggest concern for flooding is the new construction across the street from The Bazaar. We were assured that water that fell on that property would all go towards the ditch.
The front part with the new driveway has everything going directly to our front door. It won’t be a matter of if we flood, it will be when.
The new driveway is all blacktop and the rain will have nowhere to go but towards us with the way that it is positioned. The entire length of the driveway slants towards us. You can tell when there are trucks parked and they all lean. Needless to say, we have concerns.
Kim Livengood
Sarasota
Limelight District – Flooding Concerns and Drainage Coordination
To: Kim Livengood
Thank you for following up regarding the flooding concerns near the Limelight District, particularly around 8th Street and Apricot Avenue.
This area is within a known stormwater Level-of-Service (LOS) deficiency zone, which Sarasota County has identified. You can view the County’s LOS map here (yellow indicates deficient areas): Sarasota County Stormwater LOS Map – https://sarasota.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=c857b360e94344b2a7fd74576e90221c.
The County is responsible for maintaining the primary drainage system in this area based on the interlocal agreement. Their most recent ditch and inlet cleaning occurred on July 2, 2025, with the next maintenance cycle originally scheduled for early 2026. However, that work has been delayed due to a regional backlog. You can track the County’s current stormwater maintenance activities here which will provide you with the latest: Sarasota County Maintenance Dashboard – https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/36f63bf761e4483b9e89120efe8ed860.
You can also follow up with the County at (941) 861-5000 or https://sarasotacountyfl.qscend.com/311 for an update.
On the City side, our team is ensuring that ongoing construction complies with the Engineering Design Criteria Manual (EDCM) and does not worsen existing drainage conditions. The new development at the northwest corner of 8th Street and Apricot includes a P-6 curb inlet and ADA-compliant sidewalk, which will modestly improve local collection and conveyance. However, larger-scale drainage capacity upgrades will require a County-led capital improvement, since the County is responsible for the regional stormwater system under our interlocal agreement.
While all new developments must demonstrate concurrency and cannot worsen drainage performance, they are not required to resolve preexisting system deficiencies. Our focus remains on preventing further impacts and collaborating with the County to advance both short-term maintenance and long-term infrastructure improvements in the Limelight area.
Please know that we’re continuing to coordinate closely with the County’s Stormwater Division and will keep residents informed as updates become available.
Nikesh Patel
Director of Public Works
City of Sarasota
