A Grim Discovery on 15th Street
To: Sarasota City Commission
Early this morning there was a shooting at 15th street and Central, which sadly resulted in a homicide. The victim was a white male who lives in the neighborhood. Our police department is currently working the investigation, and this will continue to be an on-going investigation until the suspect(s) are arrested. Please note this is early in the investigation and details will be updated as additional information becomes available. All questions should be referred to the police department at this time. As I receive additional information from the Chief, I will keep the Commission informed.
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
A Grim Discovery on 15th Street
To: Sarasota City Commission
The following is an update to the earlier News Release. The Sarasota Police Department is investigating a death that happened approximately at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, near 15th Street and Central Avenue. The victim is an adult man and the next of kin has been notified.
Officers responded to a call of a person lying on the ground bleeding. Officers performed CPR until EMS arrived. He died on the way to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
There are no suspects at this time. There are no other reported injuries. This is an isolated incident and there is believed to be no threat to the public. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070 or Sarasota Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
News Release: Sarasota Police conducting death investigation. The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the death of an adult man that occurred approximately at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, near Central Avenue and 15th Street. There are no other reported injuries. This is an isolated incident and there is believed to be no threat to the public at this time. The case remains under investigation and more information will be released as it’s made available. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 941-263-6067 or Sarasota Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS (8477).
Amanda Morales
Public Information Officer Sarasota Police Department
City of Sarasota
Sounding Off on St. Armands
To: Karen Crowley
Thank you for your email. I’ll be happy to follow up with you and connect you with our acoustic experts currently doing a professional study.
Joe Polzak
City Attorney
City of Sarasota
Sounding Off on St. Armands
To: Sarasota City Commission
I wonder if you could explain the noise ordinance testing that is (I believe) currently being done. If this Is the case then please come to Saint Armand’s.Circle. It is 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. July 9 and there’s loud music being played and I would love to know if this is within the noise, ordinance specifications. Personally, if I can hear this music from one side of Saint Armands Circle to the other, it’s unacceptable and way too loud. Thank you for your time. I would be very grateful for a reply with specific information regarding the testing dates, times, and findings of the noise level on Saint Armands Circle.
Karen Crowley
Sarasota
Paradise Paused: The Indian Beach Closure
To: Joey O’Mahoney
Please find attached a project summary sheet regarding the work to be completed at the beach and why the area has been restricted for safety reasons. While I certainly understand your concerns and frustrations, our staff is working diligently to get the project moving in the most responsible and safe way possible.
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Paradise Paused: The Indian Beach Closure
To: Joey O’Mahoney
I am copying the city manager and deputy city manager with this response so that they can direct the appropriate staff to respond to your concerns and fill you in on the status of the park and it’s renovation.
Liz Alpert
Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Paradise Paused: The Indian Beach Closure
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Liz Alpert
Thank you in advance for your public service, and all that you do for the members of our community. I have been a resident of the Indian Beach neighborhood since 2020. The Park is one of our greatest assets, and has been shut down completely by the city, with total access denied to the public. Coupled with very little information being released by the city and county regarding the process, has left my family very frustrated. I am requesting that the city provide the least restrictive access to the waterfront portions of the park, and keep necessary fencing for the areas that are unsafe for park visitors while the shoreline project moves through necessary permitting and construction efforts.
Furthermore, it would be very beneficial if the city or parks department could make a statement about the anticipated progress and hurdles that the park is currently facing during design/permitting/construction. I am aware that the park has officially been closed since hurricane Milton, but the current state of the park is very difficult to accept. We should at minimum have access to the stairs and wet sand until construction impacts make park use unfeasible. Thank you for your time.
Joey O’Mahoney
Sarasota
Bridging the Bay: A Meeting of the Minds
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
I hope you’re doing well. I would like to request a meeting with you on behalf of Bemetra Simmons and the Tampa Bay Partnership. They would appreciate the opportunity to provide an update on the work the Tampa Bay Partnership is doing and discuss current initiatives.
If you have any availability on August 4th, we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Josiah Johnson
Manager of Government and Community Affairs
Tampa Bay Partnership
Bridging the Bay: A Meeting of the Minds
To: Sarasota City Clerk Shayla Griggs
I believe this would be a valuable meeting for Karie to be part of, if at all possible. Bemetra Simmons is a featured speaker at the EDC breakfast each year, usually providing Sarasota-focused highlights from their annual Regional Competitiveness Report. (Download from www.tampabay.org/research). I would be pleased to adjust my schedule to accommodate Karie.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Food Truck Turf Wars
To: Juan Esquivel
Thank you, Mr. Esquivel, for your feedback on how a food truck is negatively affecting your business (Thank you, also, for including Steve Cover in your email so he can quickly initiate follow up on your concerns).
I believe that the selection of which food truck is up to the property owner providing the parking area for the truck (in your case, the adjacent gas station). Can I assume that you’ve spoken to the property owner to suggest a truck offering a different menu and parking it in a different spot on his property? When Mr. Covers staff reaches out to you, perhaps you can discuss ways for “brick and mortar” businesses to sign off on plans for food trucks on adjacent properties.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Food Truck Turf Wars
To: Sarasota City Commission
We respectfully ask the Commissioner’s Office to consider the impact on long-standing local businesses when making decisions about where and when food trucks are allowed to operate. La Primavera Supermarket is a family-owned business that has proudly served our community for many years, and we hope our long-standing investment and commitment to the community will be taken into consideration.
We are currently facing a situation that has become very difficult for our family business. A food truck selling the same type of Mexican food is operating next door to La Primavera Supermarket, parked at the neighboring gas station. Because of its location, it partially obstructs the visibility of our business from the street while also operating as a direct competitor just steps from our entrance. In addition, some of the food truck’s customers use our parking spaces, creating further challenges for our business.
We support food trucks and small businesses, and our intention is not to oppose them. However, allowing a mobile vendor selling the same type of food to operate immediately adjacent to an established market and restaurant creates an unfair competitive disadvantage. Permanent businesses make substantial long-term investments through property costs, taxes, licensing, insurance, utilities, and the many ongoing expenses required to operate a permanent location.
We respectfully ask the Commissioner’s Office to review the current rules and policies governing where food trucks are permitted to operate, particularly when they are located immediately adjacent to established businesses selling the same type of food. We also ask that any improvements to these regulations be considered to better protect long-standing, committed local businesses like La Primavera while maintaining a fair balance for all.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns. We know your office is committed to serving our community, and we are truly grateful for your thoughtful consideration. La Primavera has been proud to call this community home for many years, and we hope to continue serving our neighbors for many years to come. Thank you again for any guidance, support, or consideration you are able to provide. It truly means a great deal to us.
Juan Esquivel
Primavera
Sarasota
Pulling the Strings at City Hall
To: Sarasota City Commission
We should all be concerned with the behind the scenes actions of our City Commissioners and staff. It is time for a thorough investigation involving Jamie Loomis’ candidacy. Embarrassing for Ms. Loomis certainly, but one has to question why City staff “overlooked” residency requirements.
J. A. Cloutier
Sarasota
Parking Pains and Pineapple Ave
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Karie, as we discussed, we’re receiving lots of input from the public regarding parking right now I suspect because of the change that was recently implemented, our publicity educating the public about the change, and general confusion.
I am confused by this suggestion that I’m forwarding — not sure if the writer is suggesting that we start charging for parking on a street where it is now free (although that would be unlikely). I don’t know if the writer also emailed Broxton; maybe Broxton’s contact info should be included with the publicity about parking changes.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Parking Pains and Pineapple Ave
To: Sarasota City Commission
I have no problem with the parking changes, but I was wondering if it’s possible to install Parkmobile meters on the side streets like Pineapple where parking is free? I was thinking that they could be programmed with the hours of operation, but allow drivers to use their cell phones to get the 2 hours for free. The Sunday Morning hours could remain the same, but this way you wouldn’t need the meter people to drive around the city checking on cars late at night. Violators would be charged just like those who park on Main St or Public garages.
Just a thought.
Harvey S Mishner
Sarasota
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Thank you all for looking into the issue. The “US Recycling” facility remains very active. Here’s a video of a truck (without any cover) arrive at 7:08am this morning to unload even more concrete…
https://myapi-z2.arlo.com/hmsfeeds/users/library/share/link/2AF04438820EFD6D_202607
The pile continues to rise.
Ron Kashden
Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations
Sarasota
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Bob Firth
Thanks for the email and for following up. I am copying the City Manager, City Attorney, Ron Kashden (from CCNA), and Commissioner Smith on this email. The City Manager is putting together a Task Force on this issue and we are hoping to some results.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith
Thank you for following up on this issue. My biggest concern is for the wildlife living in the pond but at its peak there was a serious discharge and of course this continues down Hog Creek to the bay. We have construction near by in the North Rosemary District and the chalky nature of the discharge is suspect. Hopefully we can find a source soon.
Bob Firth
Sarasota
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Bob Firth
The following emails are the result of me forwarding your email and my meeting today with Steve Botelho, Deputy County Administrator.
Mark Smith
Commissioner
Sarasota County
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Sarasota County Commission
There appears to have been an illicit discharge at Hog Creek – just north of Centennial Park.
City and County staff have investigated and not yet identified the root cause; they have requested the assistance of FDEP. We’ll keep you posted.
Ben Quartermaine
Director Stormwater
Sarasota County
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: John Morgan
AWQ is actively investigating this matter. At this time, the source of the discharge has not been identified. Alan has conducted multiple site visits and has also been out twice with the City of Sarasota. Using the County’s GIS mapping, we identified the stormwater system that conveys runoff to the affected pond. The contributing drainage area is relatively limited, with the surrounding properties all draining to this specific pond. As part of the investigation, the connected manholes within that stormwater system have been opened and inspected in an effort to trace the source. Despite multiple inspections, the origin of the discharge has not yet been identified. Based on the evidence collected to date, CEMEX is not believed to be the source. However, to ensure a thorough investigation, we have requested that the FDEP conduct a joint inspection with County staff. We are also coordinating an inspection of the water treatment plant as part of the ongoing investigation. We will continue investigating and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Bradley Tykoski
Supervisor Environmental Planning and Development Services
Sarasota County
Whodunit at Hog Creek?
To: Sarasota City Commission, Sarasota County Commission
There is a serious water quality issue at Hog Creek in Pioneer Park. The conditions have progressively gotten worse. I spoke to a person from the Parks department and he said he has reported it but it is a storm water issue and the county’s responsibility.
I had copied Kelly Brown when I first reported this to Jen Ahearn-Koch and she had requested that Suncoast Water Keepers do a water test. I don’t know if they have done any testing as of yet. I really feel that Mark Smith should address this given storm water issues are the county’s responsible.
I am concerned that the concrete recycling plant or some of the recent construction is dumping into our creek. I am also very concerned with the wildlife in the park that live off the water in this creek. I wanted to bring this to the board’s attention as I am leaving town on Thursday and won’t be able to physically follow up on this issue until I return in 6 weeks.
Bob Firth
Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
We spoke with Mr. Topping regarding the incident and advised him we have three bike officers on the trail today for increased visibility. Mr. Topping was pleased with our response and believes this was a “one off.” Mr. Topping explained that he had a nice encounter on the trail with a juvenile that was very respectful thus restoring his confidence with young people.
We advised Mr. Topping to call immediately should there be further issues. We will continue to monitor.
Rex Troche
Chief of Police
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Police Chief Rex Troche
Yes. If you could reach out to him directly that would be helpful. Thank you!
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City manager Karie Friling
I have reviewed the report made by Mr. Topping on 6/6/2026. Mr. Topping and the other witness never saw the two subjects throw the stick toward their bike tire per the report. Further, after reviewing several other reports there is no apparent pattern as the 10 reports made in the past 3 years range from a robbery (1/2025), suspicions, to crashes. Mr. Topping’s incident would be the first reported one of its kind. Overall, a very low frequency of reports.
With that said, I am forwarding this email to the Acting Captain of patrol to increase presence and visibility since it is that time of year the trail sees an increase amount of traffic due to the weather. Please advise if you would like us to contact Mr. Topping and assuage any concerns.
Rex Troche
Chief of Police
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Police Chief Rex Troche
I researched cases and calls for service reported on the Legacy Trail, or at an intersection of the Legacy Trail, between 1/1/2023 and present and found 10 case reports and 111 calls for service. Of the 10 case reports, I don’t see any other cases with the same circumstances and the most recent complaint. I have attached a list of the cases and some statistics about the types of calls for service. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Vikki Nichols
Crime Analyst
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Please research and advise of any documented incidents on the Legacy Trail going back 3 years. I am not aware of any issues or trends. Please provide reports as well.
Rex Troche
Chief of Police
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Police Chief Rex Troche
Do we have any statistics of incidents on the trail per the email below? Thank you!
Jennifer Jorgensen
Interim City Manager
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Dave Topping
Dave – wow. That’s something! I’m so glad no one was injured! I’m forwarding you message to Deputy City Manager, Jennifer Jorgensen, who should know about this, if she does not already know. She can talk with those in our parks dept to see if they have recommendations. I know the Legacy Trail is under County authority but I think the city has some authority and responsibility for those parts of it that are in the city. I’m sure Jennifer will get back to you.
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
Bamboozled on the Legacy Trail
To: Sarasota City Vice Mayor Kathy Ohlrich
On June 6th at 9 p.m. my wife Teri and I were riding our bicycles on the Legacy trail just west of Tuttle when some oncoming bicyclists launched a bamboo pole at us. The pole became lodged in my bicycle. We stopped and no one was hurt. The attackers continued west on the trail. Teri called the police and we talked about the incident with the officers.
The police were very professional, but they admitted that there was not much they could do at that time as far as apprehending the troublemakers. They also indicated that unfortunately our experience was not uncommon, especially after dark. We know the trail closes at sunset, and we very rarely use the trail at that time, but this was an unsettling experience.
Is there any data on the frequency of events like this? Is there anything (as a concerned citizen) I can do? We really love the trail, and we hope it stays safe for everyone. I appreciate you for taking the time to read my story.
Dave Topping
Sarasota
The Commission’s Crash Course
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
One of the things you’ll soon discover is that there isn’t an orientation process for new City Commissioners. It’s almost all OJT, but we’re limited in what we can ask our fellow Commissioners — assuming they’ve drawn the correct conclusions from their observations.
An important area of City government where there’s a lot of confusion is development review. What are the relative roles of the Development Review Committee, the Planning Board, and the City Commission?
I suggest producing a video on this topic to clarify it for every Commissioner — to get them all on the same page, recognizing things may have changed over time and that you may choose to change the process somewhat. This video would educate the public, too, and help them reach out to the right individuals at the right time with their concerns. Just a thought. After 3-1/2 years, I’m confident that I’m still misinformed.
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Karie, I thought you should see this email from one of the applicants for a Planning Board position that we’re filling on Monday. Valuable feedback on the perception of staff. (I plan to watch the video he referenced on the comments of outgoing board member Deleo.)
Debbie Trice
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Caffeine, Conflict, and City Planning
To: Sarasota City Commission
Thank you for the invitation to meet with you and for your time. I found each meeting to be very informative and interesting. I appreciate your service and your perspectives.
A few of you asked whether I have attended City Planning Board meetings. While I’ve attended County Commission meetings more recently, it has been a while since I’ve attended a City Planning Board meeting and the cast has changed. Since our conversations, I have reviewed a few recent meetings and learned a lot.
After that exercise, I am still offering myself as a candidate! But I may need to increase my caffeine tolerance for the many hours of discussion and deliberation, punctuated by a few intense moments.
I was struck by Mr. Deleo’s parting remarks. If you haven’t already, I urge you all to view the last meeting (6/10/2026 at around 2:30). There seems to be significant tension between staff and the board (not just Deleo) over the disclosure and provision of documents (namely Site Plans) that the Board finds to be important to their consideration of applications. More importantly, I am concerned about the perception that staff is biased towards developers. I believe this perception is commonplace and worry about the public’s trust in our City administration. While I am sensitive to the challenges of staff roles (and have known Ms. Dobbs in particular for many years and think highly of her), as a public interest professional I plan to hold staff to a high standard and hold developers accountable. I will work to regain/maintain public trust that the administration is NOT biased towards developers.
Again, I am not against development, I respect hard working developers who bring a needed product to market and will maintain a balanced approach in following the City Plan. I will consider the record, including staff reports and advice but will not limit myself only to their findings and recommendations. Where applicable, I will flag issues and offer sound counsel and recommendations to the Commission for your consideration. I will be open minded and collaborative with fellow board members during meetings, and I will strive to embrace what I feel to be a good understanding of what my neighbors want in a City where they choose to live, die, work, recreate, and raise families.
Justin Bloom
Sarasota
