Commission allows staff to discuss county’s Justice Center proposal for Ringling surface lot

Sarasota City commissioners on Aug. 18 authorized staff to enter discussions with Sarasota County regarding county interest in using the surface parking lot on Ringling Boulevard (site of the former police department) as a possible location for a criminal justice center or related county office space.

The request came after county staff asked whether the city would be willing to have a conversation about use of the downtown Lot No. 2 (the former police department surface parking area). Deputy City Manager Polczak told commissioners the county’s outreach is exploratory; staff’s motion would authorize conversation and information exchange but not an agreement or sale.

Commissioners asked staff to gather additional information, including the lot’s revenue history and possible long-term city uses, and emphasized that any sale, lease or major partnership would return to the commission for approval. Commissioners expressed differing initial views: some supported staff exploring options because the location is adjacent to the existing courthouse and could reduce daily commutes for court personnel; others cautioned against selling scarce downtown land and asked staff to prioritize retaining city assets.

Action: Commissioner Ulrich moved and the commission approved the request 4–0 to allow staff to enter discussions with Sarasota County about use of the Ringling surface parking lot as a potential site for county criminal justice center functions. The motion authorized conversations; it did not approve any sale, lease or final agreement.

Next steps: Staff will report back with revenue and asset data and with proposed terms or concepts if negotiations advance. Any concrete proposal would be presented to the commission for decision and would require public notice and review.