Stop Kicking the Can Down the Road on Flooding

This piece was submitted anonymously:

Sarasota County has a flooding problem. We’ve all seen it—streets underwater, homes threatened, and storm after storm making it clear that our drainage systems aren’t keeping up. County leaders know it too, which is why they brought in a stormwater expert, Stephen M. Suau, to take an independent look at the issue. His advice? Stop approving rezonings that increase housing density in 100-year floodplains unless there’s solid proof the development won’t make flooding worse.

Sounds like common sense, right? But here’s the problem: The county keeps allowing developers to put off proving that their projects won’t create flood issues until after the zoning has already been approved. This backward approach has led to developments that don’t take flood risks seriously until it’s too late.

And now, we have another test of whether the county will finally listen to reason. On February 12, commissioners will vote on a request to rezone 50 acres on Raymond Road, right next to the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility. Under its current zoning, only five homes can be built there. If the rezoning is approved, that number jumps to 170 homes—in an area where 64% of the land sits in a 100-year floodplain.

Let that sink in. More than half the property is in a known flood zone, and yet, instead of requiring the developer to prove—before approval—that this won’t cause flooding problems, the county is poised to say yes now and worry later.

This is exactly what needs to change. If a developer wants to build in a flood-prone area, they should have to prove up front that their project won’t make things worse for surrounding properties. That’s not some radical new policy—it’s already in the county’s land development regulations. But time and again, the commission has allowed developers to defer that key flood analysis until after the increased density has been granted.

We don’t need to look far to see why this is a bad idea. Just last year, major flooding hit Sarasota, and media reports confirmed what flood maps have long shown—this area is vulnerable. The county’s own Planning Commission already voted against this rezoning, with Commissioner Donna Carter stating bluntly, “I don’t think that is a buildable property.” She even suggested the county buy the land and add it to the Celery Fields instead.

So here’s the bottom line: If Sarasota County is serious about stopping development-driven flooding, they must deny this rezoning. If the developer truly believes they can build without creating new flooding problems, then they should prove it first—not after getting approval.

Enough with kicking the can down the road. It’s time for Sarasota’s leaders to enforce their own rules and put flood safety before developer profits. On February 12, we’ll find out if they’re willing to do that.

A WSLR show that cares about Our Changing Environment

From Tom Matrullo:

Earlier this year I was a guest on a local low-power FM radio show: Our ChangingEnvironment on WSLR. 

Jono Miller

The hosts, Julie Morris and Jono Miller have been scouring the region to find subject matter experts to share their insights and knowledge with the WSLR community. Where else are you going to hear about local seagrasses, sea turtles, and nesting shorebirds, or how Siesta Key and East County are changing? Experts have brought listeners up to speed about local flooding, Sarasota Citizen Action Network, native landscaping, and trends in backyard fruit trees. These one-hour shows are archived and available from WSLR at https://archive.wslr.org/?qtajax=true.  My show aired on April 30th.

Julie Morris

It doesn’t cost much to support truly local radio -- being a LISTENER sponsor works out to ten cents a day. Your membership not only supports Our Changing Environment, but also the other public affairs programming and great music (and the Fogartyville venue). 

In order to become a member, go to WSLR.org, find the DONATE button at the top, choose an amount and fill out your contact information, click on News and Public Affairs, and then, on the drop down menu, choose Our Changing Environment!

(The WSLR Fall membership drive continues through Nov. 19) 

September 11 Hearing: Siesta Key Condo Rebuilds

 

Siesta Key News & Updates September 6, 2024 September 11 Public Hearing Siesta Key Condo rebuilds Protect Siesta Key opposes any changes to the Comprehensive Plan that would endanger the decades-old regulations protecting all barrier islands. We also oppose any changes to the zoning code that conflict with our Comprehensive Plan. The Sarasota County Commission will conduct a public hearing on September 11, 2024, to review proposed changes to our Comprehensive Plan. These changes will increase the size of multifamily buildings (condos, timeshares, apartments) in the Residential Multi-family Districts on Siesta Key. The proposal suggests allowing decades-old multifamily structures, which already exceed the maximum permitted densities and heights in the current zoning regulations, to become even larger. The Siesta Key Condominium Council is leading the opposition to this change. The Sarasota Planning Commission board previously rejected the proposed change to the Comprehensive Plan with an 8-0 vote a few weeks ago. Many multifamily structures were platted or constructed prior to the implementation of current zoning regulations. Since 1975, the maximum height for structures in the residential multifamily districts (RMF) has been 35 feet for RMF Districts 1 and 2, and 45 feet for RMF District 3. Presently, approximately 137 structures on Siesta Key exceed these height limits as they were built before the adoption of these regulations. While the zoning regulations allow these structures to be rebuilt in the event of destruction by a disaster, if they are to be demolished voluntarily, they must adhere to the current zoning regulations regarding size including height. The proposed change to our Comprehensive Plan would allow these tall structures to be rebuilt with parking underneath the residences, potentially increasing their height. For example, an 8-story building could become 10 stories or more. Additionally, this change would reduce the side yard and rear yard setbacks, resulting in wider, more massive buildings. There are concerns that the proposed new regulations may mark just the beginning, becoming a Trojan horse for developers to add floors or density to our already crowded island. Please take the time to read the attached PSK memo and the letter from Attorney Richard Grosso. Protect Siesta Key Memo to the County Commission (link) PSK's Memo Exhibits (link) Attorney Richard Grosso Letter on proposed changes (link) If you wish to voice your concerns, please send an email to the County Commission before Tuesday, September 10, to have your input included in the official record. Email our County Commission (cut and paste into your email): Mhsmith@scgov.net, Jneunder@scgov.net, rcutsinger@scgov.net, nrainford@scgov.net, mmoran@scgov.net Copy the staff: Planner@scgov.net, Efarrell@scgov.net Let them know you agree with Protect Siesta Key, Inc. that the County should not amend the laws of our Comprehensive Plan! Public Hearing information Wednesday, Sept 11 Meeting time: starts at 9 am Location: County Commission Chambers Address: 1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota Thank you for your support of our efforts to protect our Siesta Key! Sincerely, Lourdes What about Mega-hotels Public Hearings? Sarasota County has not yet announced the date for public hearings regarding proposed changes to the laws in our Comprehensive Plan that would permit developers to construct multiple mega-sized hotels on Siesta Key. We are monitoring the Sarasota County website for public notices. However, there are a few County Commission meetings scheduled in both September and October. It's possible that the County may schedule a Planning Commission hearing in September, which is a preliminary meeting by an advisory group that will vote to either recommend or deny the acceptance of a proposed Comprehensive Plan or development plan change. This meeting is not as critical as the Sarasota County Commission public hearings, where the final decision will be made. Consider marking your calendar for October 8, 9, 22, or 23, as potential dates for a Sarasota County Commission public hearing on mega-hotels. Until we receive further information, we do not know which date will be the actual hearing date. We will inform you promptly when we receive notice of a scheduled public hearing.

9.11 Siesta Key Demolition/Rebuild Hearing

 

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Board of County Commissioners Hearing on 9/11, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

The Siesta Key Condominium Council was formed in 1976 and its membership includes over 90 Siesta Key Condo Associations. Mission Statement: To provide member Condominium Associations, their owners, residents and renters current information applicable to condominium living through a series of meetings/speakers and to support efforts that promote safety, economic stability, environmentalism, and the beautification of Siesta Key.

Board of County Commissioners Hearing on 9/11, 9:00 am-5:00 pm Siesta Key RMF Non-conforming Density Voluntary Demolition / Rebuild New Policy 1.2.2(E) and Ordinance No. 2024-053, UDC Amendment No. 55 From Planner: “I wanted to give everyone notice of the hearing date for the Voluntary Demolition Comprehensive Plan Amendment and UDC Text Amendment. The project will go to the Board for Transmittal to the State Dept of Commerce on September 11, 2024. The advertisement will be published on Wednesday next week. Please find the proposed language attached. Both items contain the “no special exception” language… Since this is a large-scale amendment, this would be the first of two public hearings on the items. As you know, the Planning Commission had recommended denial on this project.  I will provide the full packet…, once editing is completed.” Note: The Final packet has not been released to the public yet as of 8/28. Once released, this link should contain agenda and details:  Click HERE for a link to the 9/11 County Commission meeting information.   Click HERE to Watch the Meeting live at 9:00 am on 09/11. Not interactive. View only. Why It Matters to Everyone who cares about Siesta Key This is another assault on the Comprehensive Plan’s protection of Siesta Key against increased density and intensity that threatens resident safety, hurricane evacuation and emergency vehicle access. It adds New Policy 1.2.2(E) that negates FLU 2.9.1 and removes Comp Plan protections. It would perpetuate non-conforming density and height, add two stories of parking, increase footprints, allow larger and lock-out rooms, and variances of the Gulf Beach setback line. These would increase density and intensity in violation of the current Comp Plan. The changes also remove public scrutiny of development of non-conforming properties, eliminating workshops, Planning Commission and County Commission hearings. The Planning Commission recommended rejecting these Comp Plan changes 8-0 because there are too many unintended consequences that recent Court rulings indicate are detrimental to Siesta Key residents and expose Sarasota County to liability.

Proposed Changes Promote Development at a time when residents realize current infrastructure cannot support increased density and intensity. Traffic congestion is already a constant problem and complaint of residents and visitors. During the last two storms, including Debby, the Siesta Drive bridge was closed because its access road flooded, reducing hurricane evacuation and emergency vehicle access to only the Stickney Pt. Bridge, which is under extensive repair by FDOT to extend its life. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes somedays during this process. There is discussion about a bridge replacement, which would require downsizing to two lanes for an extended period. Stormwater and sewage infrastructure failures, like those during Tropical Storm Debbie, are occurring with increasing regularity. One of the largest spills occurred at the Siesta Key Master Pump station, totaling 309,000 gallons, as reported to FDEP. The cumulative effects of rebuilds from over 137 non-conforming RMF properties would overwhelm roads, bridges, evacuation routes, stormwater and sewage facilities. Financial Reality: not practical for residential condominiums. Owners are already undergoing Milestone Inspections, SIRS studies and repairs to make structures safer and bring them into compliance with state regulations. Most residents do not want to move from their home for two years or more during demo and construction and incur even larger expenses. Snowbirds and vacationers similarly do not want to lose years. If a condominium is severely damaged by a storm, insurance covers repair and rebuild. Voluntary demo and rebuild cannot claim insurance. The proposed change was initiated by a time share. It is a developer’s dream. Only a time share’s many units provide a large enough assessment to fund demolition and rebuild; for example, a 50-unit time share contains 2,600 weekly units: at $10,000 assessed, 500,000 vs. $26,000,000! The change would encourage developers to buy out units to convert residential condos to transient accommodations: time shares and condo-hotels – as it is already has in other areas of Florida.

Your Voice Counts This hearing is scheduled when many residents are away or on vacation. To express your opinion, email County Commissioners HERE. Ralf Brookes, attorney for James P. Wallace, III, sent a memo to County Attorney Moye making it clear that his client opposes any changes to the 1989 Siesta Key Comprehensive Plan (identified by two independent Court cases) - including the Siesta Key Voluntary Demolition/ Rebuild. For further information, Click HERE. Debby Sarasota County Petition: The Petition calls for Hydrology and Wastewater spillage studies and to “Pause Comprehensive Plan amendments including but not limited to changes to the 2050 Plan, rezonings, special exceptions and any UDC change that will increase density and intensity of development projects in the vulnerable areas.” Click HERE for more information, to join, or to comment.  From the local AARP ambassador: AARP Day at Sarasota Lanes, a free bowling event, on Monday, September 9, from 1:00-3:00 pm. For further info or to register, click HERE. There is also information on free online courses. Managers and Board Members: Please post and distribute this important notice! Please click here for a printable copy.

About Old Miakka: An open letter to the Sarasota County Commission

To: The Board of Sarasota County Commissioners

When I drive out to east Sarasota - which I do when I visit Crowley’s Nursery, or Florida Native Plants, I experience a sense of going to another place - a bit of travel to ranches, open spaces, a reality different from our core residential areas, filled as they are with gated communities, Publixes and Walgreens.

 

An environment that has not been tamed and rubber-stamped into a profit-maximizing business plan seems somehow life affirming and reassuring. The rural quality of east Sarasota is unique because it has not been packaged into yet another sterile commodity. We need the otherness of places like this - they enrich the diversity of where we live, and remind us that Adam and Eve didn’t require sidewalks, generic house plans, or well-coiffed dogs on leashes.

Sarasota County has prided itself on individual flair - the creative experimentalism of Bertha Palmer, the Baroque extravagances of John Ringling, the public spirit of John Nolen's vision for downtown Venice. 

John Nolen Park

Individuality - the unique - endows a place with character.

When you take that away, you end up with the tedious regularity of yet another Florida residential product -- packaged, commodified and sold. For whose profit?

As a Board charged with using sound judgment and common sense in the process of deciding what is gained and lost through human construction, you might at least weigh the value of another 5,000 Pat Neal homes behind Pat Neal gates with Pat Neal names like Cielo, Milano, or Vicenzo against the irreducible uniqueness of nature -- rural life, the heritage of a 172-year-old community like none other. This balance of nature and artifice should be factored into any deliberation with so much at stake.

Frederick Law Olmsted didn’t look at 3.5 square miles of Manhattan and see dollar signs. He saw a green place that provides escape and a saving natural environment for the millions of New Yorkers who benefit from the varied delights realized in Central Park:

Mr. Neal appears to aspire to be an Olmsted in reverse: He sees green and wishes to turn it into a replication of what he’s producing all over this county, for another sort of green.

Our minds, hearts and souls need something more than infinite Nealification. Give this organically grown community of Old Miakka the honest recognition that it deserves. Because without such otherness, we - and Sarasota - will be diminished in more ways than we can imagine.

Tom Matrullo

WSLRNews: The Fight to "Keep the Country Country" Continues

Dark Money, / Alex Coe / Red Tide

SCAN is about planning methodology as practiced in Sarasota County. Part of that "practice" involves the enormous sums of money that flow into our campaigns - especially during County Commission races, as that Board has the final say over land use and rezone decisions.

Cathy Antunes

Listening to Cathy Antunes' exploration of PACs the other evening at Fruitville Library was like following trails of money into a labyrinth of PAC managers, campaign coordinators and creators of nasty mailers. 

The mystery PACs - which are supposed to be totally separate from the candidates - show funds coming in from other PACs, which got them from yet others. At some point, though we're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, the trail can simply vanish. Cathy's pertinacity in tracing the funds, the managers and the connections inside Florida and across state boundaries has yielded some astonishing results. One result I was unprepared for: certain candidates in our local elections are managing their own PACs, in direct contradiction to the lawful purpose of this funding method!

There are at least two recordings of her talk - one is on Facebook, done by Mark Warriner of WSLR - if you have a FB account, it's here, and starts around the 9-minute mark:

Dark Money at Fruitville - Cathy Antunes for SCAN

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Alex Coe

Meanwhile, there are two other items I wanted to share with you: The first, again, is Cathy - this time interviewing District 1 Candidate for the County Commission Alex Coe. Alex has a varied background and has served on the Charter Review Board, and has insights into what is going on with a fake voter guide, a closed District 1 primary, and local flooding among other things. Coe has experience with the planning process and is worth listening to on that as well, which you can do here:

Alex Coe talks with Cathy Antunes

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And last for now, a paper about Red Tide in our waters has been published that we should all be aware of. The research was done by local investigators including Dave Tomasko and Steve Suau, and it offers strong evidence that Red Tide at Siesta Key correlates with the flushing of highly nitrogenated water from Okeechobee, which the Army Corps releases periodically into the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Not only do these releases provide the nutrients to feed Red Tide -- they affect the duration if and when the Red Tide makes to the shoreline. In brief, the duration of our Red Tide events appears to correlate closely with deliberate releases from the lake. 

Recentl the Army Corps of Engineers, which organized the releases, reportedly stopped sending Okeechobee waters to the Atlantic Ocean. Releases to the Gulf are ongoing.

An evaluation of the relationships between the duration of red tide (Karenia brevis) blooms and watershed nitrogen loads in southwest Florida (USA)

As Steve Suau said to me, this biological link between Lake Okeechobee and Siesta key shows how interconnected are the ecosystems in which we live - far more than we imagined them to be. 

This is Nature, complex and co-involved - the plans of our developers never dream of thinking in this way. They do not seek knowledge or resilience in scraping and building on our land - the end game is to prosper.

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1000 Friends Recognized for Grassroots Initiatives

We are pleased to share that 1000 Friends will receive American Planning Association (APA) Florida’s Award of Excellence for Grassroots Initiatives. APA Florida will present this award at its annual statewide conference of professional planners on September 4 in Tampa.   “We are gratified to get this recognition from APA Florida,” said 1000 Friends President Paul Owens. “Educating Floridians to participate knowledgeably and effectively in the community planning process is our top goal.” Established in 1986 to support managing growth in one of the fastest growing states in the nation, 1000 Friends of Florida’s mission statement notes: Above all, we strive to give citizens a meaningful role in shaping the futures of their communities and state. We at 1000 Friends take this mission to heart. For more than two decades we have focused on supporting an informed cadre of “citizen planners” to provide meaningful input at the local, regional, and state levels. Through free webinars, landmark studies depicting the impacts of population growth and development on our lands and waters, legislative advocacy, special reports, a robust “clearinghouse” website, and more, 1000 Friends prioritizes empowering Florida’s citizens to engage in their planning process. Here are some of the highlights: Dr. John M. DeGrove Webinars – Since 2011, close to 45,000 attendees have participated in our more than 120 free Florida-specific webinars which feature recognized leaders sharing strategies to build better communities and save special places.  Legislative Advocacy – Each session we maintain a user-friendly webpage to track key legislation, conduct legislative preview, update, and wrap up webinars, and send regular email updates to close to 20,000 contacts with updates and calls to action when relevant. Visioning – In partnership with the University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, our 2040/2070 studies depict the potential impact of millions of new residents and sea level rise on Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters and have served as the basis for ten county-specific workshops, with four more planned in coming months. Website – Our robust website serves as a clearinghouse for all things planning in Florida, including citizen-friendly information on conserving Florida’s lands and waters, supporting sustainable and resilient communities, fostering community engagement, and more.  Special Reports – We prepare concise planning reports on a host of topics, post them on our website, and share widely to make planning issues understandable to a larger audience.  Traditional and Social Media – We amplify our message through traditional and social media and, according to the media platform Meltwater, articles and information by or about 1000 Friends and our planning work had a reach of almost 1.8 billion over the last year.  In all we do, we attempt to crystallize the key issues, offer workable solutions, and provide step-by-step strategies to spur change.   We embrace innovative technologies and traditional grassroots tools to promote shared values such as quality of life, clean drinking water, and fiscal responsibility.  We believe that 1000 Friends’ multifaceted grassroots initiatives have, collectively, elevated awareness of the importance of sound planning, citizen engagement, and sustainability throughout Florida.  We thank the highly respected APA Florida for this recognition. We also are indebted to Florida friends like you who partner with us to bring about positive change in one of the fastest growing states in the nation. With appreciation for all you do, Vivian Young, AICP