Hermitage Artist Retreat urges Sarasota County to transfer campus ownership as hurricane recovery lags

The Hermitage Artist Retreat asked the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 26 to begin negotiations to transfer ownership of the Hermitage campus so the nonprofit can lead restoration and long‑term stewardship.

"We see this proposal as a big win for all parties involved, most notably the taxpayers," Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg told the commission during the Open to the Public period, arguing that ownership would let the nonprofit expedite repairs using private funds and apply for grant programs that require ownership. Sandberg said the organization has offered a reverter clause to ensure public access and that the beach and campus would remain a county asset if the Hermitage ceased to exist.

Why it matters: Hermitage trustees and staff said county procurement rules and the organization's tenant status have limited its ability to make emergency repairs after hurricanes. Supporters warned historic beachfront buildings remain vulnerable and said private ownership would reduce county liability and expenses while preserving public beach access.

Hermitage board members and counsel presented legal and practical groundwork. Real estate attorney Steven Solowski told commissioners his firm had obtained a title report and found "no title documents or other encumbrances on the property that would prevent the transfer of title to the Hermitage," and said the county attorney's office previously advised that a transfer was possible at the commissioners' discretion if certain conditions are met.

Multiple trustees and staff emphasized community benefit and continuity of programming. "The reverter clause we've offered with our proposed fee structure means the properties will always remain in the caring hands of the Hermitage or will revert back to the County," Sandberg said. Managing Director Stacia Lee read dozens of constituent emails into the record describing slow county repairs and urging the transfer so private funds could be used.

Board response and next steps: Commissioners agreed to bring the topic back as a formal agenda discussion. Commissioner Smith moved that staff return a public discussion item exploring the potential sale or transfer, including financial, legal and bond/SLAP implications; the motion was seconded and approved. Commissioners asked staff to obtain an independent appraisal, confirm statutory or referendum constraints tied to prior funding and bring back detail on how county funds (including any SLAP or bond requirements) would be restored if property was sold.

What remains unresolved: No sale agreement was negotiated at the meeting. Commissioners and the county attorney said any transfer would require negotiation, legal review and, where necessary, public notice or hearings to address deed restrictions and funding constraints. The Board asked Hermitage representatives and their consultant to coordinate with county staff ahead of the upcoming agenda item.

The Board directed staff to return the matter for public discussion with analysis of the parcel boundaries, the county's fiscal obligations, and options to make the county whole if a transfer proceeds.