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Commission sends 20‑year extension of Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland program to November ballot with up to $250M bonding
Summary
The board unanimously approved an ordinance April 7 to place two referendum questions on the November ballot: continue the 0.25 mill ad valorem funding for 20 years and authorize up to $250 million in bonds for land protection and parkland acquisitions.
The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously April 7 to place two ballot questions on the November ballot to extend the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the county’s Parkland Acquisition Program for 20 years and to authorize bond issuance of up to $250 million.
Senior parks manager Kim Huberger summarized the program’s history — created by voter referendum in 1999, expanded in 2005 — and said the county has protected more than 100 properties totaling roughly 42,000 acres under prior referenda. “Since the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program began in 1999, the County has protected over a 100 properties of approximately 42,000 acres,” Huberger told the board.
Why it matters: Supporters said the programs safeguard water resources, habitat and public access and that continuing the dedicated 0.25 mill ad valorem funding would allow the county to pursue timely land acquisitions and preserve green space. Community partners (Big Waters Land Trust, Trust for Public Land, Gulf Coast Community Foundation) pledged technical support and outreach for the referendum.
Public input: Speakers included conservation partners urging the board to let voters decide and at least one public commenter who sought additional transparency about specific property exchanges and land valuation in the neighborhood parkland program.
Vote and next steps: Commissioner Mast moved, and Commissioner Smith seconded, adoption of the ordinance to place the two questions on the ballot; the motion passed unanimously. Upon adoption, the ordinance will be filed with the Department of State and staff will continue community education and outreach ahead of the November vote.
