Sarasota County

So if you didn't know, and this is kind of the point of what I want to talk about is 25 counties in the state have a land acquisition program.

similar to Manatee County, Sarasota County, Polk County has one, Marion County, I think, is getting ready to vote on one.

But there are seven counties literally next week voting to either re-up the money that they contribute to that through a sales tax or through property taxes, or there's two that are starting an actual entire program.

And so I serve as the chair for our program here in Manatee County called LMAC, Environmental Lands Management.

And he was so great at just kind of showing me the ropes.

And this conversation was kind of in the middle of all that.

But I was not working in conservation at the time i listened back through this edit and think oh my gosh the questions would be so different today so please take that into consideration but two if you live in one of those seven counties which are listed there's a link in the show notes manatee county sarasota county is one of them marion county all those i mentioned i think brevard county there's there's seven total that will be voting and voting is november 3rd next week If you live on one of those, please consider reading that information if you want to support.

But also to me at the time, I didn't know I was going to work in conservation.

I think your entitlements were about 22.5 or so for total units, but you're going to be bigger than that now.

Yeah, we own 3,500 acres in unincorporated Sarasota County, and we're annexing that into the city of Northport.

So at the end of the day, the entitlements are going to be probably closer to 29.

You know, how does that play out over the course of market conditions and dips and what is multifamily versus single family? And I think that's all to be determined.

We have four schools, you know, a charter K through eight, two VPKs, collegiate high school, college.

If you'd have told me that when I first got here, I'd have told you you were crazy.

But because Sarasota County's A-rated number one rated school system in the state of Florida.

I think it's number one or number two.

It'll cost the average Manatee household $34 a year.

In Sarasota County, residents are deciding if they want to keep a current tax that funds programs to protect sensitive lands and neighborhood parks.

That will cost the Sarasota County home $51 a year.

on average.

Even though the Rays got smacked in the World Series, local businesses walked out winners.

This

was in Sarasota County, by the way, which would be Florida.

Yeah.

I think what we're learning is that people are...

All right, our last weather-related story.

At least Sarasota County is confirming a case of West Nile virus.

Dengue, step aside.

The mosquito-borne infection has prompted health officials to issue an advisory.

Attendees enjoyed games, free lunch, and raffle prizes.

A key highlight was the spotlight on Sarasota County's restoration project for Alligator Creek, aimed at returning the creek to a healthier state for both wildlife and residents.

Environmental stewardship was a core theme, with zero waste initiatives and plenty of educational moments.

South Venice Yacht Club Commodore Karen Schaffer said, The festival is another example of our environmental stewardship efforts.

Back to you, Max.

Thank you once again, Anthony.

And finally today, Sarasota County is preparing for an exciting literary celebration as best-selling authors visit for Off the Page 2026.

Emma has those details.