[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6508606,"mediaKeyId","5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5","parentId",5534673,"title","Board reallocates remaining Hurricane Ian funds: $600,000 added to Family Promise; remainder directed to Inspire/Spire Northport housing project","audioSeconds",8408,"startMs",14846000,"endMs",6438000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5&start=14846&end=6438","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5/thumbnail_14846000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6508606/Sarasota-County/Florida/Board-reallocates-remaining-Hurricane-Ian-funds-600000-added-to-Family-Promise-remainder-directed-to-InspireSpire-Northport-housing-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508606-4dd3f5e1020935e88d46cfc64b38c182/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153210&Signature=SFKu4NEIGoLjvhXhKvXxZ7KlBHind7EPR9HG~GIKS5uw30~uMwDS1KaEnGc83okjML9X~HgWpBTT3uW2N7k8E5ldTPpJZkhSNyE~M5Ylbgw-qGuBjAujww1eP09Nu7nYnnhRNQvnFBipJUy8vQFRQdhE0JE~ASPxy-hgRLimpFWAKE5Y4M7AWbDb0cozLDZ2HmK5T~VYeAw-b5AFe09lXOWMeb1Z469obFYntzhrm6KnfFOSHEbF9NAw9MQIWHOYRInpDGbtHDSQfAspphemtESqHiA7Rr0btc5UmBGEVCQt2~khel6osU-rwR8qriAUs2xRzhjmCNMZyFMOjIrCcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sarasota County","date","2025-07-09T00:00:00Z","article","Sarasota County officials on July 9 moved to repurpose remaining Hurricane Ian Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) funds after staff reported a pool of available dollars and recommended options.

Office of Financial Management division manager Steve Hyatt told the board that, after the voluntary buyout awards the commission approved earlier in the meeting, approximately $5.1 million remained in the buyout allocation and that, combined with $3.0 million of planning funds the county could reallocate, and additional unspent program funds, roughly $15,665,950 of Ian‑related funds were available for repurposing. Hyatt outlined three options the board could pursue: (1) apply the money to previously scored but unfunded Hurricane Ian projects, (2) revisit projects already selected to identify unmet needs, or (3) reopen a new competitive solicitation for additional eligible projects.

Commissioners discussed priorities including affordable housing, infrastructure (stormwater/pump stations and generator upgrades), and cultural/economic recovery projects. Several commissioners said affordable housing in South County should be prioritized; others pressed to fund infrastructure and theater arts projects for downtown Venice.

After public testimony from applicants and proponents, including Jennifer Faganbaum of Family Promise of South County and Michael Allen of Bridal Development Group (which is seeking support for a multifamily affordable housing proposal in Northport), the board agreed on a hybrid approach. The commission first approved three voluntary buyout applications (the earlier action) and then directed staff to allocate an additional $600,000 to Family Promise’s Parkside Village project to cover required flood mitigation and buildability work identified in updated engineering. Commissioners agreed the remainder of the repurposed Ian funds — after the $600,000 allocation — should be applied to a high‑scoring South County multifamily affordable housing application (Inspire Northport/Inspire Northport project in the packet), and staff should continue to work with applicants about matching and other funding sources.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Cutsinger moved to proceed as discussed; Commissioner Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What it means: the board directed staff to (a) close out three buyout awards approved earlier (about $1.29 million total), (b) add $600,000 to Family Promise of South County to address newly identified mitigation and construction costs, and (c) apply the remaining repurposed Ian dollars to the Inspire Northport affordable housing request, subject to the usual conditional award and documentation requirements. Staff said partial awards would be conditional on demonstration of other funding and permitting; if projects cannot meet conditions, staff will return to the board with alternatives.

Staff noted that applicants who did not receive funding in this cycle remain eligible to apply under a separate allocation of disaster recovery funds (the county announced a later allocation of roughly $210 million in response planning) and may reapply under future solicitations.

Ending: The board’s allocation aims to direct limited disaster recovery dollars toward South County affordable housing needs while providing a smaller targeted grant to a nonprofit housing developer to address emergency mitigation requirements and maintain forward momentum on projects that can proceed quickly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sarasota Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting July 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board directed $600,000 of repurposed Hurricane Ian CDBG‑DR funds to Family Promise of South County and committed the remainder of available repurposed Ian funds to a high‑scoring South County multifamily affordable housing proposal (Inspire Northport), after staff reported roughly $15.7 million was available for reallocation.","taxTitle","Sarasota County, Florida","taxId",2880,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508615,"Commissioners approve High Hat Ranch access and road funding agreement, give policy guidance on Bee Ridge right‑of‑way",540,4819000,5359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5&start=4819&end=5359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5/thumbnail_4819000.jpg","/articles/6508615/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commissioners-approve-High-Hat-Ranch-access-and-road-funding-agreement-give-policy-guidance-on-Bee-Ridge-rightofway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508615-e5d1aeee91f9b40ab976d4f052aa9ae7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153210&Signature=S6nk~jTZOf-ECcqMr2x7COpTWBrIeclCuTS1dWmj0QN1D6c64-sZCHaatpe55nboip41b-UU6nTIRxN6n7FsOAEsYn1EMcKtgp2kPNcufD5OVAoQE~s80WZiHGsml19kSUjpR2NHxyO3leCsv7cAROyGx~VcP1ZhNP3VmvVoHb~10EwwjCh5ywJ5VTlcX4z2PQYYJ4dHEk7ESAPDre7traA1snqq0rzCf0KGNhgd70B5aHDW1Sfteqfkgl6rApx9RmypjUMBd8XAhBAyHHhfaOUxM8-hjlCO7ECF3lRFIbdb40apvOaAYbwc~j~AE~WwUvyy4NLb9Dxx8CYWk6g6aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County Commission on July 9 approved an agreement allowing private High Hat Ranch development to use county‑owned land for access while setting terms for road construction, right‑of‑way dedication and cost responsibilities.

Planning staff presented a summary of a county‑draft agreement the board had previously directed staff to negotiate. Under terms summarized in public discussion, High Hat agreed to provide up to 24 acres of right‑of‑way along Fruitville Road, to fund 100% of the Bee Ridge Road East Extension initial two‑lane construction (with the remaining lanes to be added when warranted), and to fund 100% of required mitigation and relocation costs for county operations affected by the extension. High Hat will also fund 100% of the roundabout improvements at Lorraine and Bee Ridge and post surety or escrow for construction. The county will reimburse High Hat for 50% of a later Bee Ridge widening from Bent Tree to Lorraine, with timing triggers tied to Village 1 sales and development milestones.

Stephen Shaw, deputy county attorney, explained a single unresolved policy point during negotiations: timing and legal effects of establishing Bee Ridge Road as public right‑of‑way. Staff proposed a compromise that would permit an early statutory dedication of the right‑of‑way while making the effective date of the dedication contingent on the completion of the site access improvements and the widening work. Commissioners asked for clarity about the legal permanence of right‑of‑way dedications and the county attorney explained that once established the dedication can only be reversed through the statutory street vacation process.

Developers and High Hat representatives said early dedication is needed to enable property closings, which in turn help developers fund the required off‑site road improvements. Jim Turner, representing High Hat, told the board the project would post bonds and take on contractual obligations so the county will receive the promised public improvements if the right‑of‑way is dedicated early.

Commissioners debated whether to allow early dedication. Several members said they were concerned about permanently giving the right‑of‑way away before construction is finished; others stressed the practical funding constraints for the developer. The board settled on policy guidance that allows staff to include language in the agreement enabling an early establishment of Bee Ridge right‑of‑way with the effective date tied to completion and certain conditions, and authorized the county administrator or designee to execute the agreement consistent with that guidance. That motion also authorized staff to proceed with processing High Hat's Village 1 rezoning petition.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Cutsinger moved to approve the agreement including the developer’s proposed timing language and to authorize county staff to process the Village 1 rezoning petition; Commissioner Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What it means: if High Hat meets the contract conditions, the county will take the public dedications and receive roadway improvements financed or bonded by the developer. Staff said the approach balances the county’s need for legal certainty with the practical financing mechanics developers need to close land sales and fund construction.

Next steps: staff will finalize the agreement language with High Hat, record required dedications, and proceed with County processing of the rezoning petition for Village 1. The county will monitor the developer’s surety and mitigation commitments as the projects progress.","The Board of County Commissioners approved a negotiated agreement on July 9 that lets High Hat Ranch dedicate right‑of‑way and pay for structure and roadway improvements in exchange for the county granting access across county land and processing the developer’s rezoning request.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508601,"Board approves range of land‑use, historic, budget and grant measures; actions list at a glance",5525,1640000,7165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5&start=1640&end=7165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5/thumbnail_1640000.jpg","/articles/6508601/Sarasota-County/Florida/Board-approves-range-of-landuse-historic-budget-and-grant-measures-actions-list-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508601-25c793583350b975927e8bb970e8ad28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153210&Signature=meVGQO2R5lZjnlJAxesU2xl917o2433~BMZeuS4wSSqysy7LHbLR0cHqhTUCcw5cQYzWZqSJ9ZSHnuTycUqTGmU4jYtby0la1I5-omwgbO9dnmZ-1aZr6Am9IVV89BdaDNbdrp5CUvmcT1vfwnFJVU4ejh04CfUPZFuJXiGaRL1NzVZTfDlcYCHvhXhUzU9dO63zPwQ1BelJpmZMlOPK9dK5QUbQxHY1B1Foe2hzT0JWXXbTnVmfGcuHFPBpVQAZQ-aO7L9t8CQeJVX9JxFuDl9JNwhC89-o9EhbFaQFbqN6IFi2ecdBwOvm7Lpb989ELkGxA72QiN-b4ya5JC7eBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners concluded a packed July 9 agenda that included a series of routine public‑hearing items and administrative approvals. The board unanimously approved multiple resolutions, ordinances and budget amendments across planning, parks, public safety and tourism portfolios.

Key actions (summary): the board adopted historic property tax‑exemption and preservation covenant resolutions for 640 West Venice Avenue and approved the historic designation of 5528 Olde India Del Mar; amended the county capital improvement program (CIP) to add sheriff’s facilities funding and appropriated $48,000 to sheriff facilities upgrades; approved a local funding agreement with the City of Sarasota for park improvements at the Bobby Jones Nature Park and amended CIP project and budget language; adopted multiple coastal setback variances and a special exception allowing freestanding multifamily in a mixed development (including a building height increase to 110 feet in a CG district); ratified ordinances dissolving two Lakes of Sarasota Community Development Districts; adopted a budget amendment to fund Phillippi Creek dredging; and ratified other minor CIP and budget changes in the packet.

The board also advanced administrative and programmatic items: it approved termination of an interlocal between the county and the City of Sarasota for SHIP administration, adopted the county Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) for FY2026–2028 and reestablished a separate county Affordable Housing Advisory Committee per recent board direction. The board approved the Arts & Cultural Alliance FY26 scope and budget and the Tourist Development Council’s fiscal 2026 cultural arts grant recommendations totaling $2.1 million, and approved Visit Sarasota County’s FY26 scope and a $7,900,671 budget (the board later added a one‑time $220,000 boost for international sales from promotions reserves).

Below is a concise list of adopted measures and formal board votes recorded during the July 9 meeting. Each motion was adopted unanimously unless noted otherwise.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Founding‑member presentation: Motion to invite representatives of the Moorehaven/Florida Workforce Housing Council to make a presentation to the board — passed unanimously.
- Appointment: Behavioral Health Advisory Council (citizen‑at‑large) — Kim Brown appointed to fill term through June 2028 — passed unanimously.
- 806 North Manasota Key: Release of 1992 restrictive covenant — eliminated and county administrator authorized to execute release subject to recording — passed unanimously.
- Affordable housing workshop: Board set workshop agenda and timing (target September), directed staff to schedule developers and outside experts — passed unanimously.
- Historic property exemptions/designations: Resolutions adopting tax exemption and preservation covenant for 640 W Venice Ave; designation of 5528 Olde India Del Mar on county register — passed unanimously.
- CIP/budget: Adopt CIP and budget amendments to add sheriff’s facilities upgrades program and appropriate funds; approve locally funded agreement for City of Sarasota Nature Park at Bobby Jones — passed unanimously.
- Special exception: SE‑1892 approving freestanding multifamily and building height increase in CG zone (I‑75/University Parkway area) — passed unanimously.
- Coastal setbacks and wetlands: Multiple coastal setback variances for Sandy Hook Road South and Sand Dollar Lane approved as advertised — passed unanimously.
- Dissolutions: Ordinances ratifying dissolution of Lakes of Sarasota CDDs (two districts) — adopted unanimously.
- Phillippi Creek dredging: Budget amendment B2025‑046 appropriating $149,260 for dredging — adopted unanimously.
- SHIP & LHAP: Ordinance adopting county SHIP changes and resolution approving Local Housing Assistance Plan for FY2026–2028, termination of interlocal with City of Sarasota for SHIP admin — adopted; board reestablished county Affordable Housing Advisory Committee — all actions adopted unanimously.
- Hi Hat Ranch access agreement: Board approved agreement including policy guidance for early Bee Ridge right‑of‑way dedication (see separate article) — passed unanimously.
- Arts & Tourism: Approved Arts & Cultural Alliance FY26 contract and budget ($301,788) and Tourist Development Council cultural arts grant awards ($2,100,000); approved Visit Sarasota County FY26 scope and $7,900,671 budget and added one‑time $220,000 from promotional reserves for international sales — passed unanimously.
- Voluntary buyouts and Ian funds: Board approved three voluntary buyout applications (total ≈ $1.29M) and then directed staff to repurpose remaining Hurricane Ian funds, adding $600,000 to Family Promise and allocating the balance to a South County multifamily affordable housing applicant (see separate story) — passed unanimously.

Several items on the agenda were taken with no public comment or were continued as consent; where there was discussion, commissioners generally asked staff to return with follow‑up reports, supplemental agreements or construction drawings before requesting additional county funding.

Ending: The July 9 meeting advanced multiple planning, budget and recovery priorities. Staff will implement the approved contracts and agreements, process conditional awards, and return to the board with required follow‑up items in coming months.","The Board of County Commissioners adopted a series of resolutions, budget amendments and program actions on July 9, covering historic property actions, CIP and budget changes, coastal and land‑use approvals, arts and tourism grants, and disaster recovery fund reallocation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508621,"County, Benderson Park Conservancy unveil revised design for boathouse and indoor sports complex",879,2699000,3578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5&start=2699&end=3578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","/articles/6508621/Sarasota-County/Florida/County-Benderson-Park-Conservancy-unveil-revised-design-for-boathouse-and-indoor-sports-complex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508621-19abcabbfca2dc2d4cc3ebcc96c0adbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153210&Signature=IKYYluKZ9q7M6YWfAdsJyXecoul9PibDcjHyCO4VRxbhB-3rUHVbaVAzf2pbwaKFbGp8kdT3o90GuWh~UoWDeNjVKYd53klAimBZaYaCdqYhknShMczaEdLIG7jHmeeBYaW7bimKwBg8dEpybA1ZhaNHCyCQxb4iQrKtUqEqV7DDervqi8NuDpFfue~GxCRP8SzLuvA7UVSo8gSiX5Twgg7jAtnud434R4yt5JfIilW7jRruPRydwU3B0vn3a59UledJbpqIqCTQMAFvv-DK3BOnKWCwHIrdOvyUDnKEnIdTfUFj9dtEZj4TqwqluicxP25EJ3xbk8NC2ttYHQrwTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County parks staff and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy on July 9 presented updated schematics, revised site plans and an estimated budget range for a proposed boathouse and indoor sports complex at Nathan Benderson Park.

Nicole Risler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, and Bruce Patanood, chief operating officer of the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, described refinements to the plan developed by WJ Architects and reviewed how the building footprint was rotated and pulled away from the island’s spine so events and regattas could continue without loss of key spaces. Risler said the county previously committed $20 million of tourist development tax (TDT) “6p” funds to the project and that Benderson Development has pledged to contribute 20% of construction costs.

“Whatever we choose to move forward with cannot affect the success and the events and things we have out at the park now,” Risler said, describing multiple focus groups and a multi‑year feasibility process. Patanood summarized the park’s event season and usage statistics and said the revised plan would reduce on‑island heat during summer events and provide indoor space for concessions, staging, athlete recovery and community programming. He called the new layout “more efficient” for event circulation and said the boathouse would include storage for rowing and paddling boats, training space and offices that could be used year‑round.

The architects’ concept renders show a long, angled building that opens the island between the tower and the proposed structure; the complex would provide about 85,000 square feet of flexible indoor courts and multiuse space, and a boathouse with multiple bays and second‑floor viewing and training areas. Risler said the conservancy expects to complete construction documents by the end of the year and to return to the board with a full cost estimate and funding plan early in 2026.

Commissioners praised the design work and the conservancy’s fundraising progress but did not take a funding vote at the meeting. Several commissioners stressed the need for a robust capital funding plan before the county approved further commitments. Risler said the conservancy and private partners have been funding design work and that the conservancy will lead private fundraising for naming rights and other contributions.

If the board chooses to advance the project, Risler said staff will return with 90–100% construction drawings, permitting steps and a refined capital plan that will show public and private funding sources and any proposed county contributions beyond the $20 million previously set aside. Conservancy and county staff said they anticipate total project costs will fall in the $60–70 million range and emphasized they are targeting the lower end of that range.

The project team said the design effort included extensive stakeholder outreach — from U.S. Rowing and collegiate teams to local youth sports and arts organizations — and that the complex is intended to support both large regatta logistics and daily community use, including practices, camps and nonwater sports during off‑season months. Bruce Patanood highlighted potential benefits for event operations, such as reduced on‑island congestion and trammed parking circulation, which the presenters said would improve safety and spectator circulation during major regattas.

Next steps: the Conservancy will continue schematic and construction design with WJ Architects, refine budget and fundraising targets, and return to the board with a timeline and final cost estimate for board consideration early next year. Commissioners asked staff to continue outreach and to present a clear funding plan when construction documents are available.

Ending: Park staff and the Conservancy framed the proposal as a multiuse facility meant to expand year‑round sports, training and community programming while protecting the park’s existing regatta uses. The board expressed broad support for continuing design work and for returning with a refined funding plan before the county commits additional capital.

","Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy and county staff presented updated site plans and renderings for a combined boathouse and indoor sports complex. The board reiterated support but took no funding action; county previously set aside $20 million in TDT funds and the Conservancy and Benderson Development plan private fundraising and contributions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6508611,"Commissioners remove 1992 restrictive covenant on North Manasota Key lot, clearing path for new coastal setback review",305,1946000,2251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5&start=1946&end=2251","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5534673-325c0ed2155a7cab8d94bc89e6cbfcd5/thumbnail_1946000.jpg","/articles/6508611/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commissioners-remove-1992-restrictive-covenant-on-North-Manasota-Key-lot-clearing-path-for-new-coastal-setback-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508611-60c5b5bbd2cb38050b8f5c250fc7f915/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153210&Signature=ATd7BbP2Mm~LZ8A2ryLXxY4T1OdJILJZS5CbNZ96Nd6hizqnFBKd-mbsZTqhQEoBqh6F1GFnhKoUYEN1MEcQa14ZXkvIw36CsqmXmoKhEEpKBj-5vhl2XoqVwCjr0YNaZe5~4mRyEyMK3nM-MtihvYHnkWk8ObFpWIq~HuyfmlyXfA~D6~B3zArwDqw5AvKdsQ7twXF5BPyrMQOOuB27vvzSGzVrIewS-GC~IyvK3gwJIHqt6cle0OYYCX6ZGfXRCeI~R6DSNGwzxjb3LChPhiNm1U4-e-I8XZ7hjzTmvwLykGdI6jbQAoEonY2zT~apyPNwo6yMHMXVE~ih2Jpebw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners on July 9 voted unanimously to release a restrictive covenant tied to a coastal setback variance recorded in 1992 for a property at 806 North Manasota Key.

Howard Berna, manager of Environmental Permitting with Planning & Development Services, told the board the original 1992 variance required a recorded declaration that prohibited future expansion of impervious surfaces seaward of the Gulf Beach setback line for 99 years. The owners recorded the restriction at that time. The property was substantially damaged in recent storm events and the structure has since been demolished under a demolition permit; the current owners asked the county to eliminate the declaration so they — or a future owner — could propose a new design.

Berna explained that removing the declaration would not allow unreviewed construction on the beach: any new building seaward of the Gulf Beach setback line would still need to come before the board as a coastal setback variance under the county’s code. Eliminating the recorded restriction would allow an owner to apply for a new design and variance rather than be limited strictly to the 1992 approved seaward square footage.

Commissioners discussed the issue. Commissioner Smith said the property is effectively a “clean slate” following demolition and that new construction would return to the board for review under current coastal setback standards; Commissioner Mass agreed and noted the owners had incurred significant loss by demolishing the prior structure. Josh (last name not specified), a county official, confirmed the board could authorize the county administrator to sign a release rather than return the matter to the board for each administrative step.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Mass moved to eliminate the declaration of restrictions and to authorize the county administrator or designee to sign the release; Commissioner Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What happens next: Staff will record the release of the 1992 declaration and, if a property owner proposes new construction, the developer must submit plans and apply for a coastal setback variance that will be evaluated under the county’s existing coastal setback code and the “minimum variance necessary” criteria. The recorded release does not change the Gulf Beach setback line or the requirement to seek a variance for seaward development.

Ending: The board’s action removes a nearly three‑decade old restriction and allows owners to pursue a new application under present standards while preserving county review of any new seaward building.","The board voted unanimously to eliminate a 1992 declaration of restrictions on a beachfront lot at 806 North Manasota Key that had limited the property to the previously approved seaward square footage. Staff will record the release and any new construction would require a new coastal setback variance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reallocates remaining Hurricane Ian funds: $600,000 added to Family Promise; remainder directed to Inspire/Spire Northport housing project

Commissioners approve High Hat Ranch access and road funding agreement, give policy guidance on Bee Ridge right‑of‑way

Board approves range of land‑use, historic, budget and grant measures; actions list at a glance

County, Benderson Park Conservancy unveil revised design for boathouse and indoor sports complex

Commissioners remove 1992 restrictive covenant on North Manasota Key lot, clearing path for new coastal setback review