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Sarasota commissioners vote to create independent stormwater department after Phillippi Creek pleas
Summary
Facing urgent public outcry over Phillippi Creek flooding and lengthy federal permitting delays, the Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously to spin off stormwater functions from Public Works and create a standalone stormwater department with a dedicated director and near-term staffing changes.
The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously July 1 to separate stormwater functions from the Public Works department and create an independent stormwater department after residents demanded faster action following repeated floods on Phillippi Creek.
Commissioner Knight moved for the split and Commissioner Smith seconded; the motion passed with all members voting in favor. County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told the board a posting for a stormwater director was ready to be issued and that staff expects the director to deliver a 90–120 day operational and procedural review after hire. Lewis told commissioners he would provide weekly updates during the…
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