Sarasota County opens centralized “1 Stop” customer service center near the Celery Fields

Sarasota County officials onstage at a ceremonial opening introduced a new consolidated customer service center called the “1 Stop,” located at 870 Apex Road in an area known as The Quads adjacent to the Celery Fields.

An agency official opened the event by calling the day “very exciting and proud” and said the center is the result of several years of vision and design work that now “becomes a reality as we officially open.” The speaker emphasized that the goal is to place central operations under one roof so residents can access multiple services in a single location.

A county commissioner who spoke at the event described the facility as an honor to the community and pledged to maintain a high level of service. The commissioner said, “When I say to you that 100% customer satisfaction when you walk in and you walk out, we'll continue to be that level,” and noted he was one of five county commissioners attending.

A representative of Planning and Development Services outlined the department’s work and benefits from the new location. The staff member said the department touches nearly every resident through permitting, inspections, environmental protection and neighborhood engagement, and stated that over the last five years Planning and Development Services staff have carried out more than 800,000 inspections. The speaker added that the facility will make it easier for residents to access services and for teams to collaborate.

Officials gave the site’s address and local landmarks to help residents find the center: 870 Apex Road at the intersection of Apex Road and Palmer Boulevard, in The Quads adjacent to the Celery Fields. They said the move centralizes several county operations under a single roof to streamline service delivery.

County officials concluded by saying the new center will be meaningful for residents and staff; no formal vote or further procedural action was recorded during the ceremony.