County moves to receivership for failing Bee Ridge wastewater franchise after reported spills

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously directed staff on April 8 to file for receivership of the Bee Ridge wastewater franchise after county public‑utilities staff reported the private operator was failing to manage the system and had been discharging sewage.

Public Utilities Director Brooke Bailey told the board Bee Ridge lacked a valid franchise renewal because the operator did not own or lease the land where the utility sits; the county had been assessing a monthly penalty. Last month the operator’s certified operator resigned and the operator notified the county it intended to cease operations on June 1. County crews and an emergency contractor have been pumping down the facility and providing daily support to mitigate public‑health risk.

Bailey said the county notified Bee Ridge and provided two days to correct deficiencies; when the operator could not demonstrate operational capacity, county legal staff was asked to pursue receivership under county code provisions that allow county intervention where a utility’s failure threatens public health and safety. Commissioner Mast moved to direct staff to file for receivership and the board approved the motion by voice vote.

What this means: receivership would allow the county to step in and operate the failing system, protect public health, and pursue remedies or transition options for customers. Commissioners emphasized that taking receivership is not intended as a long‑term ownership goal but a public‑health response.

Next steps: staff will initiate receivership filings and continue emergency operations while exploring options for stable long‑term operations or transfer to another provider.