Kicked Upstairs, CC Included
To: Shannon James
Thank you for the email and for bringing this to my attention. I’ve copied the City Manager and Deputy City Manager on this email to direct this to the appropriate department (and copy me as well please).
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Red and Blue All Night Long
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
Is it possible to extinguish the flashing red and blue lights on the BnR property side at night time? The attached video is the view through the curtains of a bedroom window. I was hoping it might be a short lived necessity, but it has been weeks now.
Shannon Rae James
Sarasota
Good Fences Make Awkward Neighbors
To: Shannon Rae James
Thank you for addressing your concerns. I will address your points one by one. We are stabilizing the soil to match the elevation of the drain (rim) top behind our D Building so no water will pool. We have installed a temporary swale along the southern property line of our site to convey runoff toward the existing channel to the east, as it does in the existing condition. The final, permitted design is for a sodded swale in this area which also contains inlets. We are currently wrapping up the installation of the final condition and anticipate completing it very soon. Regarding your comment about the rebar, we installed it on our property because it was necessary for the knee wall installation.
Unfortunately your fence currently sits between 2.2 and 2.7 feet within our property line. I have attached a certified survey that provides concrete evidence regarding your fence (PID 0074130055). I have also attached photos showing our staked property line, which shows your fence protruding into our property. We are diligently trying to find a solution for the permitted swale to avoid moving your fence. This is difficult with your fence encroaching onto our property. We are doing this voluntarily in an effort to be good neighbors. We kindly ask that you refrain from sending unwarranted emails to the community while we work to construct our project and find solutions to avoid moving the encroaching fence. Please understand that it would be much easier for us to require you to move your fence and finding an alternative solution is a major inconvenience and cost for us. However, we are making this effort for your convenience and would appreciate some grace as we work through this.
Jack Dolgin
Vice President of Development
New York, NY
Water Won’t Run Uphill
To: Jack Dolgin
I am writing to once again express my concerns regarding the water run off and subsequent soil accumulation coming directly from the B&R Residences project. I have spoken directly with Ms. Claybrooke, Mr. Dolgin and Mr. Taylor specifically with these concerns.
I have sent video and still images of how the increased elevation at the south side of the project has negatively affected the topography and grading of my yard. The retaining wall as it currently stands ends directly behind my property. I do not believe that it is a coincidence that I have a growing mound of soil run off accumulating on my property exactly where the retaining wall ends. I have previously sent video of water running around the end of the retaining wall and directly under my fence. This run off creates a large area of standing water on my property, With the increased elevation of what I believe is a new service road the water has no where to run off from my property as it would now need to flow uphill.
I have communicated this concern by phone with Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor said that “Ms. Claybrooke would look into it as she is the Civil Engineer in charge of that”. I have asked that someone involved please come and see what is actually happening to my property. Thus far I have had no one come to [my home] to meet with me and address these concerns.
The only person who has actually met with me was Mr. Sweeney when I contacted City Code Compliance regarding the weeds that have grown through and now over my fence. I met Mr Sweeney at my home on August 8, 2026. Mr. Sweeney walked the property and took photos of his own. He also took photos of the accumulation of soil from the water run off. At that time the retaining wall had not been built and the soil was accumulating in an area different from where it is now. I then emailed Mr. Sweeney again on August 19, 2026 asking if he had any information on either topic. I received a response from him on August 20, 2026 addressing the trench and drainage plan but nothing about the weeds. His email directed me to contact Mr. Leonard Scherry who is The City Coordinator for Capitol Projects for the Engineering Department.
On September 2, 2026 I contacted Mr. Scherry along with 6 others with a separate issue regarding construction rebar that has been threaded through the horizontal boards of my privacy fence. I believe I spoke to Mr Taylor and he saw to it that the rebar was removed. I admit that I did not mention the drainage issue in that email as I was concerned with yet another issue created by the handling / project management / execution of this project.
The rebar was removed. Thank you. The weeds (now over 10 feet tall), drainage, soil accumulation and continued water run off are still of concern.
Finally, the standing water behind the pickle ball structure is a haven for breeding mosquitos.
I would appreciate any information that might be offered regarding any and all of these matters.
Shannon Rae James
Sarasota
Show Me the Survey
To: Jack Dolgin
I received disturbing communication from my neighbor who lives at Mill Terrace. She alleges that she communicated directly with you. Per her information your plan is to remove the fences at Mill Terrace claiming they lie over the property line. At 2:01 p.m. today I called you and left a voice message inquiring about the validity of this statement. This marks the 3rd phone call this month where I have left a voicemail for you and have had no response in any form of communication from you.
Since I have not had the opportunity to communicate directly with you I am going on the record as follows:
I am formally notifying you that I do not authorize the removal, alteration, or destruction of my existing fence. You have asserted that the fence encroaches on your property. Before any action is taken, I request a copy of the certified boundary survey supporting that claim. Until the property boundary and our respective legal rights have been established, I expect the fence to remain undisturbed.
Any unauthorized removal or damage will be documented, and I reserve all rights to pursue available legal remedies, including damages and injunctive relief. I am willing to review legitimate survey evidence and resolve this matter professionally, but unilateral demolition is not an acceptable way to resolve a disputed boundary.
Shannon Rae James
Sarasota
Bring Your Son to School Day
To: Chloe Truewell
Just checking back about this and wanted to add that my son, Tobias, will be in town on Dec 10 sometime and I think he will be available on Dec 11 for this.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
The Anderson Handoff
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I am sorry that I am getting back to you so late, I have been quite busy. I hope that you are well when you receive this email. I will be CC Mr. Anderson in this email, he should be able to help you with the next steps of the process. I will also provide you with his email. Again thank you for your patience and your time. I appreciate you so much!! Have a great rest of your day!
Chloe Truewell
Booker High school
Met at Publix, Booked at Booker
To: Chloe Truwell
Great to run into you again at Big Mama’s Collard Green Festival at RLT recently and thanks for emailing me as promised!
I did reach out to Ms Oldem for your info a while ago. I did not forget about us meeting back in July at Publix and wanted to make sure to follow up on this, but seeing you ten days ago worked out better!
I have already spoken to the City Manager Ms Friling, the Chief of Police Mr Troche, my son Tobias Koch (Booker grad and attorney), and his close friend Rashad Jones (Booker grad and Sarasota Police officer extraordinaire), and they are all willing to help. I am also more than happy to participate and speak to the students but also think the added perspective of two Booker grads both working in the field of law is interesting and maybe more relatable to the students.
I have copied the City Commission Liason Christina Wollenberg on this email to help arrange this, along with the above mentioned group, with the exception of officer Jones as the Chief can provide his contact info. Thanks again for your email and it is great to have students interested and involved in the City and community!
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Take Two: The Law Academy Asks Again
To: Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
I hope that this email finds you well! I am emailing you because last year I reached out to you about speaking at Booker High School, to our Law Academy Program and unfortunately it never happened and or worked out.
I am reaching out again in the hopes that you are still interested. If so I will hand over your email to Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson is the head of the Law Academy Program so he will be the one to help you figure out a date and a time as well.
Last time we spoke about maybe your son speaking to law Academy as well, Which would be Fantastic. If your son is still interested, if I could get his email so Mr. Anderson can reach out to him that would be great.
Also, sorry that I did not reach out to you again sooner, it has been busy. Thank you for your time and your consideration. I appreciate all you do, thank you again!
Chloe Truewell
Booker High School Student
Scratch That: The County Has It
To: Lori Goodin
I apologize for the confusion regarding Lido Beach. The County of Sarasota does in fact maintain the beach and related areas for the City, under an Interlocal Agreement. The standards of sand is different between our beach and Siesta Beach (owned by Sarasota County). Mr. Fogle will reach out to you to get additional information specific to your “safety concerns” and locations.
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Bureaucratic Beach Volleyball
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Thank you all for responding to my concerns regarding the hazardous sand conditions surrounding the Lido Beach Pavilion.
I must admit, however, that I find myself in a rather unusual position. The City of Sarasota has advised that Sarasota County is responsible for beach maintenance, while Sarasota County has advised that the City owns the property and was responsible for the sand placement project. See attached letter.
While I certainly appreciate the distinction between ownership, project responsibility, and ongoing maintenance, the underlying safety concern remains unresolved.
The extremely coarse, sharp, shell-filled sand surrounding the pavilion presents a genuine concern for residents and visitors, particularly children and seniors who should be able to enjoy our beautiful public beach without risking cuts or injuries to their feet. I am not specifically stating directly around the pavilion. I am specifically stating the conditions are unsafe on the beach, where people actually walk and lay out.
As someone who has owned property on Lido Key since 2016, I care deeply about our community and the experience we provide to the thousands of visitors who enjoy our shoreline.
Rather than continuing to be referred between agencies, I would sincerely appreciate your assistance in coordinating a response that addresses three questions:
Which agency is responsible for evaluating and addressing the hazardous sand conditions surrounding the Lido Beach Pavilion?
Has the material used in the sand placement project been evaluated for pedestrian safety, particularly given its unusually sharp and abrasive composition?
Is there a plan to improve these conditions, potentially through the placement of a finer, more pedestrian-friendly layer of compatible beach sand?
I recognize that beach restoration and maintenance involve engineering considerations, environmental requirements, and coordination between agencies. I am not suggesting that the solution is necessarily simple. However, I do believe the public deserves a clear explanation and a reasonable effort to address a legitimate safety concern.
My hope is that the City and County can work together to identify the appropriate department and provide a substantive response, rather than simply redirecting the concern to one another.
Thank you again for your time and public service. I look forward to hearing how this matter will be addressed.
Lori Goodin
Sarasota
Not Our Sandbox
To: Sarasota City Commission
Thank you for reaching out to the City. I want to acknowledge your email. Sarasota County oversees the maintenance of Lido beach. We will share your email and concerns with them.
Shell Shock at the Pavilion
To: Sarasota City Public Works Department
Dear City of Sarasota Public Works and Engineering Team,
I hope you are having a wonderful week.
As a proud property owner on Lido Key, I chose to invest here because of the stunning natural beauty and walkability of our beach. However, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention the terrible, hazardous condition of the sand placed around the Lido Beach pavilion.
While some parts of Lido Key fare better, the material used right around the pavilion is exceptionally rough, full of sharp shells, and genuinely dangerous to walk on barefoot. The sharp, abrasive texture has turned a trip to the public beach into an unsafe experience for beachgoers trying to navigate the shoreline. It is difficult to understand how world-class, soft quartz sand is standard just down the road, yet the public pavilion area on Lido has been left with such a hostile and jagged surface.
I would deeply appreciate any insight into the engineering specifications behind this fill material, and whether the City anticipates implementing a top layer of fine, compatible sand to rectify these safety hazards. Thank you for your hard work keeping our other city infrastructure safe and functioning smoothly. I look forward to your response.
Lori Goodin
Sarasota
Hold That Thought: See You Monday
To: Sarasota City Mayor Debbie Trice
I can ask staff to be ready to answer this question at the meeting on Monday. At this time, particularly since the agenda has already been posted, I do not want to share any additional back-up information with the City Commission that is not on the current published agenda. The meeting on Monday is another opportunity to ask questions and receive additional feedback. To address Commissioner Ahearn-Koch’s comments on the dais, we will have another public hearing on December 7th for the Commission to have a final vote on the Transportation Chapter.
I am trying to be as transparent with the public and the Commission as possible – to dispel any rumors that we are making last minute changes or providing last minute information outside of the public process. Happy to discuss more in person or on the phone with you.
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Email Me the Homework
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Karie – is it possible for staff to pull together the information as suggested by Ron Patten?
I will only be in the office briefly the remainder of this week, so if staff does gather that information I’d appreciate it by email.
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
Vice Mayor
City of Sarasota
After the Picnic, a Pointed Question
To: Sarasota City Mayor Katherine Kelley Ohlrich
First, thank you for coming to our HBNA picnic on Sunday! We were honored by your presence, and that of the other 3 commissioners, and I hope you had a pleasant afternoon and were able to enjoy the personalized dishes.
Please consider asking the City Manager and staff to outline any and all portions of the proposed Transportation Chapter that could or would be different if SB180 were not in force. I feel it is important to have that information at the next city commission meeting–before a vote is taken on the issue.
Since SB180 will expire shortly it doesn’t seem to make sense to consider any major revisions to our plan prior to removing the significant restrictions imposed by the state bill. Is there a good reason for timing the discussion at this time, rather than waiting?
Rob Patten
Sarasota
Wider Sidewalks, Narrower Options
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
I had a chat/meeting with John and Gavin Meshad yesterday. We were discussing sidewalk width and I told them it may be that SB 180 does not allow the city to pass an ordinance requiring wider sidewalks. Can you please give me insight into the sidewalk issue or pass this along to someone who can tell me current regulations on sidewalk width and if the city can simply pass a ZTA requiring wider sidewalks.
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
Mayor
City of Sarasota
Boots on the Ground, and in the Puddle
To: Frederick Masters
Thank you for the detailed information. I understand your concern about the continued water and will be onsite this morning with a crew to investigate the source. I will follow up with you later today with our findings and any next steps.
Ira Jenkins
Water Distribution Superintendent
City of Sarasota
Resent, Not Resentful
To: Frederick Jenkins
Please see the below. Unfortunately the first time it was sent your e-mail address contained an error.
Frederick Masters
Sarasota
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
To: Sarasota Water Distribution Superintendent Ira Jenkins
To follow-up on my voice mail of Friday, November 6, 2026, I am an officer and Board Member of the Burns Court Villas Condominium Association, Inc. The Condominium consists of 23 single family townhomes situated within the boundary of Oak Street, Palm Avenue South, Selby Lane, and set back from South Pineapple Ave. I am also a full time resident of the City of Sarasota at Burns Court Villas.
Per my voice mail, outside of 1517 Oak Street (one of the units of the Condominium), within the grass area right of way between the sidewalk and the street, there is a water line which is leaking. This condition has existed for over 3 weeks. There is significant accumulation of water along Oak Street and at the corner intersection with Palm Avenue S.
When we first noticed this we had our irrigation line company investigate by digging down to where the water is coming up from below the surface and below our irrigation line, which is very close to the sidewalk and only 1-2 inches below grade. The leak is over 2 feet below the surface and is bringing up the clean white sand bedding for the line which is leaking.
Once our irrigation vendor determined it was not our irrigation line, our Property Manager, Ms. Julie Rodgers or Progressive Community Management, contacted the City of Sarasota and advised it of this situation and requested the City to address the same.
The City maintains that it has no lines running along this side of Oak Street and insisted it is our irrigation line. After many calls, the City sent 2 men out on Thursday, November 6, in the early afternoon, to investigate. The two man crew were extremely polite, professional and engaged in trying to identify the nature of the leak. They were able to locate the meters for both our irrigation line (which is on Selby Lane), as well as the “house” meter for the residential water for the 23 residences (which is on Oak Street). They turned off the irrigation line at the pump and dug up the area of the leak, which our irrigation company previously uncovered, and by hand-pump, pumped out the dirty water until the crew hit clean water and the white sand, again well below our irrigation line. They said we should wait and see if the hole fills up with water. Since the irrigation line was turned off at the meter, if it did, then the water would not be from our line. On the morning of Friday, November 6, the hole was full of water and draining off into Oak Street. The water in the hole was clear and you could see the white sand bubbling up from the bottom. Clearly the leak is not from our irrigation line as it had no water running in it. As an aside, the City inquired if the Condominium has a well. It does not.
On Friday morning, I advised our Property Manager who called your office to advise that the hole was full of water and the leak was continuing, notwithstanding that the line was turned off at the meter by the City the day before. The City sent out the same crew who came on Thursday. They turned our irrigation system back on. The crew then spoke to the office and the crew’s Supervisor, Mr. Clarence Cheeves came. The crew reviewed the situation with Mr Cheeves who basically continued to maintain that this was not the City’s problem as its not the City’s line and after giving me your name and phone number as the next step in trying to get the City to address this situation, I called you and left a voice mail and gave you my number and requested a return call to discuss.
It is my understanding that the grassy area between the sidewalk and the road is part of the public right of way and is the responsibility of the City to maintain the same as far as infrastructure, subsurface structural matters, and public safety.
Accordingly, where there is an underground water leak within the public right of way under the control and management of the City, and it is unclear as to the source, the City cannot simply abandon its responsibility because its computer records indicate that it has no lines in the area. The City owes the public a duty to find the source of the leak which is in the public right of way, which is under its control and management. This leak is risking public health, safety and damage to public property, in addition to wasting fresh potable water, a valuable and limited public resource. At the very least, the City must determine whose line it is and if need be, take emergency steps to put in a temporary fix.
At this time it appears that the leak is getting worse. Time is of the essence to address this situation and resolve the leak. The continued position of the City that it is not going to do anything more to find out whose line is leaking and if need be, to stop the leak, is a dereliction of the City’s public safety duties and obligations.
Please note that while the City’s crew was here on Friday, they examined the Condominium’s “house” meter located off of Oak Street and determined the leak was not flowing through that line. Accordingly, it is not appropriate and wholly unwarranted for the City to look to a private party to determine the cause of a leak of City water within the public right of way, which is managed and controlled by the City, when the City itself has determined that the leak is not from such private party’s line.
I am attaching some pictures of the leaking area in question. Please note that the orange cones and tape were placed around the area by us.
Frederick Masters
Sarasota
Not to Exceed, Agreed
To: Sarasota City Mayor Katherine Kelley Ohlrich
No I worries. Yes, that is fine to change to not to exceed. Your points are well taken, and I will discuss with the directors. Thank you!
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
Get Well Soon, Now About Those Numbers
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Karie – sorry for bothering a sick person. I want to get this off my plate and we do not have Wednesday for discussion.
In preparing for the Nov 16 meeting, looking at Consent 1 and 2, I notice Consent 1, items 4-7 all have the same wording with “estimated cost/amount” before the dollars. I am very uncomfortable with that wording and would rather have a “not to exceed” amount for all of them. If I pull all of those items can we change the wording during the meeting? If you can think of another way to accomplish this, let me know.
Also, I greatly appreciate the funding source being included on some agenda items. It is not included for all agenda items. I will not pull consent items only because they do not have funding source included but I’m hoping we can make it routine that ALL agenda items include funding source in the future.
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich
Mayor
City of Sarasota
A Quote Is Not a Fence
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Mike has been working with La Quinta on this. They sent him a fence quote last Tuesday to confirm that it would meet Building Code barrier requirement. Mike confirmed that their fence quote met Building Code barrier requirement (correspondence is attached). They are proceeding with that quote. I have asked for a timeframe on the installation and we will look into temporary solutions in the meantime. This case has also been scheduled to go to the Special Magistrate Dec 17th.
Lucia Panica
Development Services Director
City of Sarasota
The City Manager Wants to Know
To: Sarasota City Development Services Director Lucia Panica
What is the status of this code issue? Please see below.
Karie Friling
City Manager
City of Sarasota
A Drop Taller Than a Commissioner
To: Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling
Please see the email below. Can we please discuss this situation? The drop off goes the entire perimeter of the property that is contiguous to The Strand (two sides) and is higher than me.
I would like clarity on what action can be taken because this is a safety issue. I am off to CCNA now.
Jen Ahearn-Koch
City Commissioner
City of Sarasota
Exhibit A Has Four Wheels
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
This is an urgent safety notice. Today, Saturday, November 7, 2026, a vehicle left the La Quinta parking lot, went over the unguarded drop at our shared property line, and came to rest on the slope beside the sidewalk and the corner of our building. Photos are attached.
No one was hurt, but only by luck. No one happened to be walking on that sidewalk when it happened.
I reported this hazard in August (Case No. 2026-CI-047582, filed August 13). Months later, a Notice of Violation exists on paper, but nothing physically protects the drop, which runs from roughly 30 inches to almost 5 feet at the edge of an active parking area. A notice did not stop this car. The next incident could involve a person.
I am asking the City to require immediate action: either shut down the La Quinta parking area along the drop, or immediately install temporary fencing or barriers that keep vehicles and people away from the edge, until permanent compliance is complete. This is a serious threat to public safety under Section 162.06(4), Florida Statutes, so the City does not need to wait out the standard correction period. The City has been on written notice since August 13, and if someone is hurt, it will face serious legal exposure for having known and not acted. Please confirm in writing by Monday morning what protective measures are in place.
Florida Building Code Section 1015.2 already requires a guard at this drop. Permanent compliance still has to happen, but temporary protection cannot wait for it.
This is unacceptable. I expect a response first thing Monday, and I expect protective measures to be in place before then.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Penciled In for the Magistrate
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
There is no fence permit application to date. Both cases have been scheduled for hearing in front of the Special Magistrate on December 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
Diane Kennedy
Code Compliance Manager
City of Sarasota
Final Reminder: Next Stop, the Podium
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
This is my final written reminder regarding the two open cases at the La Quinta property.
Case #2026-01752 (Lighting)
The reinspection failed on September 30, 2026. This issue has been ongoing since November 2025. Full compliance under Sec. VII-1402 is still required — including proper full cut-off fixtures, shielding, and the 0.5 foot-candle limit at the residential property line. The case remains unscheduled for the Special Magistrate.
Case #2026-01836 (Fence / Guard – Life Safety)
The reinspection failed on October 13, 2026. The inspector extended the deadline to October 26 so a permit could be pulled. The permit has still not been pulled. The prior fence was removed, leaving an unguarded drop of 30 inches to nearly 5 feet along the parking lot edge. This is a clear Florida Building Code Section 1015 violation. Continued extensions while residents remain exposed to a documented fall hazard are unacceptable.
I have also reviewed public records that contradict statements previously made to me in writing by City staff.
This email is the last reminder I will send. If these cases are not moved forward with concrete action and scheduled hearing dates, I will appear at the next City Commission meeting during public comment, place these failures on the public record, and request the Commission’s direct attention.
Please provide in writing:
1. The scheduled hearing date for Case #2026-01752, and
2. Confirmation of the fence permit status and next inspection date for Case #2026-01836.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Stuck in the Docket
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
Case #2026-01752 – the reinspection failed on 9/30/26 and is waiting to be scheduled for hearing in front of the Special Magistrate. The hearing has not yet been scheduled due to backlog and availability. It will be scheduled as soon as we can get it on the docket.
Case #2026-01836 – the reinspection failed on 10/13/26; however, Mr. Taylor was working with the business to get some fencing installed. It does require a permit. The inspector pushed the case out until 10/26/26 to give additional time to pull the permit. The permit has not been pulled to date. A hearing will be scheduled if the next inspection fails.
Diane Kennedy
Code Compliance Manager
City of Sarasota
Any Word Yet?
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
Could you please provide an update on the status of the two code compliance violations as of today?
Dariuszz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Mr. Green Gets a Yellow Light
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
I have spoken with Mr. Green, maintenance supervisor from La Quinta. I have instructed him on applying for a fence permit and the process for an early start to protect the area as soon as possible. He has provided me a rendering of the guard and told me he has ordered the material. I instructed him to apply for the permit prior to commencing work. I will update you when I receive the application.
Michael Taylor
Interim Building Official
City of Sarasota
Barricades Now, Repairs Later
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
I am bringing Case No. 2026-CI-047582 back to your attention before someone is hurt. The City has issued a Notice of Violation to La Quinta, but the site is still unprotected. There is an unguarded vertical drop of 3 to 5 feet along our shared property line, fully open to the public from the hotel parking lot.
We respectfully ask the City to treat this as a serious threat under F.S. §162.06(4) and require temporary barricades now, before the permanent repair. If La Quinta does not act, we ask that the City install temporary protection and charge the cost to the property.
I would also like an update on the lighting violation, Case No. 2026-CI-043407. The compliance deadline was September 28. Has the City re-inspected, and did La Quinta comply? If not, please confirm that the case is being referred to the Special Magistrate for a hearing under F.S. §162.06(2), and let me know the hearing date.
Please consider this formal notice that the fence hazard remains open. A short reply confirming next steps on both cases would be appreciated.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Double Trouble at La Quinta
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
The lighting notice of violation was issued on 9/2/26 with 20 days to comply. The compliance due date is 9/28/26.
The fencing notice of violation was issued on 9/24/26 with 10 days to comply. I just checked service for this notice and we got service yesterday. The compliance due date is 10/8/26.
There are two separate notices of violation. My apologies to you, I had forgotten that there are two separate notices of violation. Hope this helps to clarify.
Diane Kennedy
Code Compliance Manager
City of Sarasota
Patience Is a Code Requirement
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
A permit application for the lighting changes has not been submitted as of today. I really can’t provide a time frame for correction. The respondent has 10 days after service is achieved to pull a permit. If a permit is not pulled, then we will send it to a hearing in front of the Special Magistrate and I don’t have a time line for that process. The code compliance process is not a fast one, unfortunately.
Diane Kennedy
Code Compliance Manager
City of Sarasota
Any Light on the Lights?
To: Sarasota City Code Compliance Manager Diane Kennedy
Could you please provide a status update as of today on whether the permit has been pulled for the light fixture replacement work? Additionally, what is the expected timeframe for resolving this violation under the Notice of Violation?
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
First Thing in the Morning
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
I will get with code enforcement in the morning and have them forward when the violation went out and how long they have to respond.
Michael Taylor
Deputy Building Official
City of Sarasota
Getting It on the Record
To: Sarasota City Deputy Building Official Michael Taylor
I am writing regarding Case No. 2026-CI-047582, the missing fence and unguarded vertical drop on the La Quinta property along the property line with The Strand of Sarasota, 1705 N. Tamiami Trail.
The City has confirmed a violation under FBC §1015.2 (Guards). More than five weeks later, the hazard remains open and unprotected, and no temporary barricades or fencing have been installed. A fall at this location could result in serious injury.
I respectfully request a written response to the following:
1. Has the formal Notice of Violation been issued to La Quinta, and what compliance deadline does it set?
2. Given the fall hazard, will the City treat this as a serious threat to public health, safety, and welfare under F.S. §162.06(4) and require immediate temporary protective measures?
3. If La Quinta does not act, what are the City’s next enforcement steps and timeline?
Please consider this email formal written notice that the City has been informed of this unsafe condition and of its continued presence. I am sending it so the record clearly reflects when the City was notified and what was requested, in the event anyone is injured before the hazard is corrected.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Meanwhile, at the Edge
To: Sarasota City Deputy Building Official Michael Taylor
Thanks for confirming the correct code section applies here.
One more question: while La Quinta works toward permanent compliance, can the City require them to put up temporary protective measures (barricades or fencing) at the drop-off in the meantime? I believe there’s a “temporary safeguards” provision for imminent-danger conditions that allows this independent of the compliance timeline. I really do not want to see body falling down on the corner of our building. Appreciate your guidance on next steps.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Wrong Code, Right Drop
To: Sarasota City Deputy Building Official Michael Taylor
Thank you again for meeting with us yesterday and for visiting the La Quinta property.
Before the notice of violation is filed, I want to flag something from my own research. The section you cited, 2023 FBC §453.10.2.4 (“Vertical Drops”), falls under Section 453, which covers State Requirements for Educational Facilities — school sites, not commercial or hotel properties. It doesn’t appear to be the correct section to apply to La Quinta.
The provision that does appear to apply to a commercial/hotel property is FBC Building §1015.2 (“Guards”), which requires a guard wherever a vertical drop exceeds 30 inches. I understand Sarasota may also have its own Land Development Code or Zoning Code provision that applies here.
Could you confirm which code section will actually be cited on the formal notice, so it’s filed under the correct authority from the start? Thanks again for your help with this.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
A Drive-By Diagnosis
To: Dariusz Kobajlo
I did drive by today and spoke to the code enforcement officer assigned to the area. he will be issuing a violation in accordance with 2023 Florida Building Code 453.10.2.4 “Vertical drops.”
Michael Taylor
Deputy Building Official
City of Sarasota
Forwarding the Paper Trail
To: Sarasota Deputy Building Official Michael Taylor
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I know you are very busy, and I appreciate you making time for our discussion.
For your reference, I am forwarding the email I sent on August 11 regarding the fencing.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
Late-Night Dog Walk, Missing Fence
To: Sarasota City Deputy Building Official Michael Taylor
I was walking my dog tonight August 11 at 11pm and I’m filing this as a major, active safety violation as of right now on the La Quinta hotel property bordering The Strand of Sarasota.
Yesterday, Robert Maas filed a complaint about a fence along our shared property line being in disrepair. It looks like La Quinta has since completely removed that fence, leaving over 100 feet of vertical drop exposed — from about 2 feet in a smaller section up to 4-5 feet along most of the run.
This is no longer just a fence issue. Removing the barrier puts La Quinta in direct violation.
Given the scale of the exposure and the fall risk — especially overnight, with no lighting or barricade anywhere along the line — I’m requesting this be treated as an imminent hazard and inspected immediately, with La Quinta required to install temporary barricades along the full length pending a permanent, code-compliant guard.
Dariusz Kobajlo
Sarasota
