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Commission authorizes study of special districts to underground utilities, replace neighborhood lighting after island communities petition

5969338 · October 20, 2025
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Summary

The City Commission authorized staff to study neighborhood petitions to form special assessment districts that would underground utilities on St. Armands, Lido Shore and Lido Key and replace street lighting in South Poinsettia Park, authorizing feasibility, legal and financing work but not creating districts or levying assessments.

The Sarasota City Commission on Oct. 20 acknowledged neighborhood petitions and authorized city staff to begin a feasibility, legal and funding analysis for proposed special assessment districts to underground overhead utilities (electric and communications) and to replace neighborhood lighting with uniform LED fixtures.

Public Works Director Nick Patel told the commission that five associations had formally requested studies: St. Armands Residents Association, Lido Shores Property Owners Association, Lido Key Residents, St. Armands Circle Merchants, and the South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood Association (lighting). Patel summarized preliminary boundaries the groups and staff suggested and said staff would refine parcel lines and cost estimates during the feasibility work.

Neighborhood support: Presenters said surveys showed strong support from property owners: St. Armands reported 87% support overall and 93% among local voters; Lido Shores reported 97 respondents in favor; South Poinsettia Park reported about 75% approval in its survey. Speakers from the petitioning groups — Chris Golia (president, St. Armands Residents…

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