County agrees to fund $100,000 study for proposed Beginning Farmer & 4‑H agriculture complex at Clark Road
November 05, 2025 | Sarasota County, Florida
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Why it matters: Commissioners saw the proposal as a way to build a pipeline of beginning farmers and to expand youth agricultural education in the county. Staff outlined a preliminary cost range for full implementation ($2 million–$5 million depending on scope) and recommended an architectural conditions assessment and schematic design work as a first step.
Board action: The board authorized staff to bring forward a budget amendment to fund the architectural/conditions assignment (estimated $100,000) and to establish a capital project. Commissioners also gave conceptual approval to pursue state legislative appropriations and to include the proposal in other grant/Resilient SRQ/impact‑fee conversations. The vote to direct staff to prepare the amendment carried unanimously.
Next steps: Staff will return with a formal budget amendment request, a scope for the architectural work, and an implementation timeline that will include community engagement and fundraising/partnership outreach.
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