[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6502912,"mediaKeyId","5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342","parentId",5690451,"title","Sarasota commissioners add West Wing option to jail master plan study","audioSeconds",3237,"startMs",1873000,"endMs",5110000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342&start=1873&end=5110","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342/thumbnail_1873000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6502912/Sarasota-County/Florida/Sarasota-commissioners-add-West-Wing-option-to-jail-master-plan-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502912-d2a5af5ba040f02b240818eb20d3af17/orig.mp4?Expires=1770412068&Signature=K35FZ7E0wTkVjePJgmR8Tb0t~HTCWucTrrpzQu1cNwVDLihb991zXlT-NPGPO~8jnEFrJsfIpv~LeRWTf467DCficNx6hj3a8PvfBiWWgnmwUDdGKpXCmRlaMPUaMrDZA5UdludohfDLvlDX2StgLgzG6wx2B0QW1iOHhxZFQUvXgz1NYEsGukgg-TCBLkuo891IORkEXdMaEVXArssFYISwse-Q1MEwiiQ2kQBhKgut~P~jLPwG8IXe0rp4E90PwByice0uzoiWuk06u6fXsSGSRGhC~Op0on6w9Y1a2I6Jpt3l-NcpSD2tjoqBGpjH26x-bc1XMAT3~64v2-ULrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sarasota County","date","2025-08-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 27 to expand its correctional campus master planning study to include a new option to build a jail tower within the existing West Wing footprint while retaining other study options.

County capital projects staff and Sheriff\u0000Kurt Hoffman presented the new scheme to the board during an update on the correctional campus master plan and asked for direction to add it to the two options already under review.

The board voted to instruct staff to continue studying the two previously scoped options at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) site and to add the West Wing option to that analysis. Commissioner Josh Knight made the motion and Commissioner Mark Smith seconded it; the motion passed on a voice vote with all five commissioners recorded in favor.

Why it matters: County staff and the sheriff\u0000s office said the West Wing alternative could substantially reduce up-front capital costs and operating expenses compared with replacing the CJC and building a separate new jail tower. The sheriff told commissioners the West Wing option could save an estimated $170 million in combined construction and operational costs, while providing a solution that keeps inmates on campus rather than shipping them to outside facilities.

Key details: Brad Gobitz, capital projects, told the board the draft cost estimates were preliminary and would be refined by independent cost estimators. Staff\u0000s early, high-level order-of-magnitude numbers showed a construction cost for a West Wing tower option with a temporary adjacent structure at the former Central Energy Plant (CEP) site in the range of roughly $260 million for the tower and a total project estimate (including contingencies and 20-year capital maintenance) materially lower than the CJC-replacement option, though both options include large contingency allowances.

Sheriff Hoffman and courts and corrections commander Major Meinberg described operational advantages they expect from the West Wing plan, including using smaller housing modules (about 80 beds per floor in some layouts) that could reduce the number of staff necessary per shift and retain more inmates within Sarasota County during construction by housing some detainees in temporary facilities on or adjacent to the campus. The sheriff said keeping inmates on campus reduces the county\u0000s exposure to transportation costs, medical events and returns when outside sheriffs are used.

Staff\u0000s timetable and next steps: Gobitz said adding the West Wing option will require more detailed logistics and design work and will push the staff\u0000report back (originally targeted for October) closer to December so that both options can be presented with refined cost estimates from two independent cost estimators.

What the board decided: The motion (as amended on the record) directs staff to continue the current study of the two CJC-site options and to add and develop the West Wing option, then return to the commission with more detailed test fits and independent cost estimates. Commissioners emphasized the need to accelerate the schedule and sharpen cost estimates because county jail capacity is strained and staff repeatedly testified the county is operating close to or over operational capacity.

Ending note: Commissioners stressed they need clear, vetted cost and schedule comparisons before deciding whether to take a referendum to voters or pursue alternative funding. Staff said it will return with more detailed cost estimates and operational assumptions for the full set of options.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sarasota County - BCC-Regular","oneSentenceSummary","The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 27 to add a West Wing construction option to the county\u0000s correctional campus master plan study and continue work on two previously scoped options, after presentations from county project staff and the sheriff\u0000s office suggesting the approach could cut costs and keep more inmates on campus.","taxTitle","Sarasota County, Florida","taxId",2880,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6502894,"Commission appoints two to Planning Commission and approves out-of-cycle comp-plan amendment request",241,907000,1148000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342&start=907&end=1148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342/thumbnail_907000.jpg","/articles/6502894/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commission-appoints-two-to-Planning-Commission-and-approves-out-of-cycle-comp-plan-amendment-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502894-d24fef776b0dc229745fcea4e1197da1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770412068&Signature=kZmsHNYnSl8xeP-y~ioSOrz6injIqPq--ho97kYN~8PcfLohaGRatYcm7RhXK3uhQuz6oh2YKg35uRpz5c5YZqxJNijtXYQ-yNb1dT~eFZdx2agcosGWSFqDne9uSV17bvkM5nuulUMQlgFUm7YqdsziPeDfh8~SCKo1WalNLDqzcFTSm0SxQlZ8kOZ3YwAbVpz-2FJgZAyF50rKtwG7cRq~88zmJF5hZ~0lG6fvryjlEmZF8O8SMQV8GxjLLcZJ3zEmH-Qg9PMEj4QGooV-w4nsegxGtE2uJTw5cSh29o8vnpA2sup2ZbggJjO-qSlxJaVjtcySr1dHRDUeXbXbnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 27 appointed two members to the Sarasota County Planning Commission and authorized processing of a privately initiated, out-of-cycle large-scale comprehensive plan amendment for a thoroughfare plan change.

Planning Commission appointments: Commissioners received eight applicants for two four-year seats. Commissioner Kutzinger nominated Sean Labeaux and Ryan Murphy; Commissioner Matt (Knight) also nominated candidates, and after roll-call votes the board confirmed Sean Labeaux and Ryan Murphy to terms ending Aug. 31, 2029. The roll-call votes were recorded in open session; some commissioners said they wanted additional recruitment for future openings but nevertheless filled the two vacancies.

Out-of-cycle comp-plan amendment: Laura Wilson, comprehensive planning manager, briefed the board on a request from Benderson Development Company (represented by Philip De Maria and Becca Bond of Kimley-Horn) to amend the transportation chapter and thoroughfare plan to add a two-lane minor collector in the University Town Center (UTC) vicinity under a privately initiated, out-of-cycle large-scale amendment. Staff explained the code\u0000s annual cycle and the steps to process an out-of-cycle amendment, and said the board\u0000s authorization enables the applicant to proceed with neighborhood workshops, application submittal, staff review, planning commission and board hearings and state review. Commissioner Kutzinger moved to authorize processing; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The appointments fill two citizen seats on the county\u0000s land-use and plan-review body. The out-of-cycle amendment, if authorized to proceed (which it was), starts a public process that could lead to an amendment of the county\u0000s comprehensive plan and its thoroughfare plan maps, a change that ultimately must go through staff review, land-use hearings and state review before adoption.

Votes at a glance: Appointments: Sean Labeaux (elected) and Ryan Murphy (elected) to Planning Commission, terms through 08/31/2029. Out-of-cycle amendment: Motion to authorize processing of privately-initiated large-scale amendment to amend the thoroughfare plan in UTC area; motion passed unanimously.","At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Sarasota County Commission appointed Sean Labeaux and Ryan Murphy to the county Planning Commission and authorized processing of a privately-initiated out-of-cycle comprehensive-plan amendment to add a two-lane minor collector to the thoroughfare plan near University Town Center.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6502898,"Commission adds Midnight Pass language to 2026 legislative priorities and adopts program",328,1478000,1806000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342&start=1478&end=1806","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342/thumbnail_1478000.jpg","/articles/6502898/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commission-adds-Midnight-Pass-language-to-2026-legislative-priorities-and-adopts-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502898-a2f7f8d268f2fcbf18132c00e238f9be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770412068&Signature=meZ~fYCPpqwgRqcTloBsMGArA~j9EdVctFCE7Rx-hghN~xL6Jtt~72IBfTkswPl24jfdt9K2CxRrDRWiqeAR54XGcgufrAZjfawkE5su2Yxe8vVdkcI3wkJBYWAU5Oyk~9J8PDmF0xoc3HiRv3uDor0tue2H0-t3fDKvkv6LWyRNDUVluTODqLkgvwDgmgHK1iOSJ7Mu-7ddzXs1vNt7bSqxgaCURTk85w-kWNDU8E8bLSG~9C~ENzomiT-beQMeWDIxfkJ74ix1HhqJNaS6Gj~ij1Ut8Qt3SppDAxKPQqTx~3vGxvWxrslguyAKiX-7FC~jT8Eq5SxwsVnBt0EqSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sarasota County commissioners voted Aug. 27 to adopt the county\u0000s draft 2026 state legislative policy program and approved an amendment to add a Midnight Pass appropriations/advocacy item.

Rob Lewis, the county\u0000s director of government relations, presented the draft legislative program and outlined a compressed fall schedule of interim committee meetings, the legislative delegation meeting and deadlines for appropriations requests. He told the board the program provides policy direction to county negotiators in Tallahassee rather than proposing specific bill language.

Commissioner Lorena Smith asked to add Midnight Pass language—support for maintaining the inlet, stabilizing the pass and protecting bay water quality—and made a motion to insert language that would allow the county administrator and government relations staff some latitude to finalize the exact wording. The board debated language scope and approved an amendment that asked staff to craft broader language referencing maintaining the health of the bay and flexibility to pursue state appropriations or partnerships. The amendment was moved by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Mass and passed unanimously.

After adopting the amendment the board then voted unanimously to adopt the full legislative program as amended. Lewis said staff will use the adopted policy framework as the basis for pursuing or opposing legislation and for any future appropriations requests through the 2026 session.

Why it matters: The legislative program frames the county\u0000s statewide priorities heading into the 2026 session and gives county staff authority to pursue appropriations and policy positions that align with board direction. The Midnight Pass language signals the board\u0000s intent to seek state support for inlet maintenance and bay health initiatives.

Next steps: Staff will circulate the adopted program to state delegation members and use it when making appropriations requests and meeting with legislative committees during the fall interim and the 2026 legislative session.","The board unanimously amended and adopted the county\u0000s draft 2026 state legislative policy program to add language supporting Midnight Pass maintenance and bay health initiatives. Rob Lewis, director of government relations, briefed the board on fall legislative timetables and said the program provides policy guidance rather than specific bills;",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6502902,"Commission denies coastal setback variance for North Manasota Key seawall after public opposition",875,2516000,3391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342&start=2516&end=3391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342/thumbnail_2516000.jpg","/articles/6502902/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commission-denies-coastal-setback-variance-for-North-Manasota-Key-seawall-after-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502902-12f90cb65af76fed5d438cb3c28e85e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770412068&Signature=bm4nmIbXUpH-FLdEeXQm-h-b5t0Sr06THLHCBBNoU4223kAeG3sNovIxG3k~0JqsSZHFegwKdlRxOeKFHewYxUulRnF614Datno4Be13XQqwL7Ghs46cOwFlCkdtzSENOMjTg01n2cijVnpqLsMmycQNIri-v-Dj0DO0YBabUkJonaIasPKq4rT6LlEK50UaFlRlLRnCsrJEozpBMLP0AqbvFkWAhyJE-FWClyZCgfPjjuJ5SeUGcgHxn3DyQheIR1kjztpUreu~R0xJzg5gKpGmDbhUX0UfoILAt~4w0BiFBVHd4p2qM1g9ET9InoO2m~~ZvV2wCEKki4yaVCJ0Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County Commission on Aug. 27 voted unanimously to deny a coastal setback variance for three properties on North Manasota Key that sought permission to build a vinyl sheet-pile seawall seaward of the Gulf Beach setback line.

Staff presentation and public hearing: County environmental permitting staff corrected elements of the staff report during the hearing and summarized that the sites lie within a state-designated critically eroded beach section and that the proposed seawall would extend up to 75.1 feet seaward of the county\u0000s Gulf Beach setback line in places. The applicants and their coastal engineer, Christy Tigner, told the board surveys show rapid bluff erosion at the three properties, with recent measurements the applicants said showed 36 feet of bluff loss in the past two years. The applicants said slab-on-grade homes risk being undermined and argued a seawall is the permitted long-term stabilization method under state criteria in this circumstance.

Opposition and staff concerns: Several nearby residents, the Sarasota County environmental manager and public commenters told the board the proposed hardening will likely accelerate erosion on neighboring unarmored properties, would reduce beach width and impair sea turtle nesting. Staff noted that seawalls can disrupt natural sand transport, cause localized scour at return walls, and the neighboring seawall that was permitted and constructed previously appeared already to be contributing to sand loss. Staff also noted that alternatives such as sand fill, dune restoration or temporary measures may be available and that the applicants must demonstrate less-structural alternatives are infeasible before a variance can be granted.

Outcome: Commissioner Mark Smith moved to deny the variance; Commissioner Josh Knight seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: Commissioners pointed to the long-term public interest in preserving the beach and warned that piecemeal armoring can cause a \u0000domino effect\u0000 that results in an armored shoreline and loss of public beach. The board\u0000s decision leaves the property owners able to pursue other nonstructural measures or to reapply with revised plans that better demonstrate state and county variance criteria are satisfied.

Administrative note: Staff said a denial resolution will be prepared and returned for the record.","The commission voted unanimously to deny a coastal setback variance request to allow a 584-foot vinyl seawall at properties on North Manasota Key, citing concerns raised in staff analysis and public testimony about adverse impacts to the beach and turtle nesting. The applicants argued rapid bluff erosion threatened slab-on-grade houses and that",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6502907,"Commissioners approve Manasota Beach Road public—private agreement and add project to CIP",4098,292000,4390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342&start=292&end=4390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5690451-73ae793a51ff21562dd1976eef9f2342/thumbnail_292000.jpg","/articles/6502907/Sarasota-County/Florida/Commissioners-approve-Manasota-Beach-Road-publicprivate-agreement-and-add-project-to-CIP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502907-3e5f5eb68aa719b43f984ce25cdfcc2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770412068&Signature=e~JHleUzANKMUjCrCI7Ywmk9tsO4z6JEdZ4R47cassgL0eWibUu-5jPFrFclaVUgDXeCPRd7l7noUK91hOy-7hnIdt2N~VQAbzI0fztgHGkyA~U4XRkhgyfqVRIC73q1GCINjogx33X3UNUqOfyDNElAY5aL7tg9uDPDMCv8VZnboFb~FFLfzyNJ0Fl0kTXPeguE668pWfE7iy3T9S0ul3F6GIfJfs8O34NwCuPxoN7VTSlWiDZX1j3QmDt0r~leWMJSYEKr5OyreUSvoxZ~anha6~0-bEoamfPTRTziFKd~whSSRCknvOgt0FtaNVJ8UYCKRlRNKob~whCwyiy0QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sarasota County Commission on Aug. 27 approved an unsolicited proposal and related agreements to advance the Minnesota (Manasota) Beach Road extension under Florida Statute 336.71, adding the project to the county\u0000s capital improvement program and appropriating funds to begin design and permitting.

The board voted unanimously to: (a) find the unsolicited proposal satisfied statutory criteria, (b) amend the fiscal 2025-29 CIP to add the Minnesota Beach Road Extension West project, (c) adopt a budget amendment to appropriate up to $15,000,000 from South District road impact/mobility fee funds for the project, and (d) approve the proposed agreement with the Economic Stimulus Working Group (ESWG) for design, permitting and construction of the public segments under the not-to-exceed amount. The vote included a scrivener correction to the agreement name that staff had identified before the action.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the 2.7-mile extension will provide an East-West connection across the county\u0000s rapidly growing southern corridor, relieve localized congestion, and create another route to the barrier island and new school campuses. Proponents said a public\u0000private delivery could reduce procurement and construction cost compared with a traditional county-led project and accelerate completion.

Project scope and funding: The ESWG\u0000s proposal covers the public portion of a multi-party corridor; staff and the applicant agreed the county would use South District impact/mobility fees as the initial funding source. The working group submitted an opinion of probable cost that included a 30% contingency; the applicant proposed a not-to-exceed contract number of $15,000,000, representing an estimated 31% discount versus the working group's engineer\u0000s back-of-envelope estimate of roughly $21 million for the same scope. The appropriation and agreement require staff to confirm scope, right-of-way status, permit requirements and to return with routine project controls and reporting.

Public comment and concerns: The public hearing on the unsolicited proposal drew extensive testimony from residents on both sides of the alignment. Supporters—many from inland neighborhoods and nearby developments—argued the extension improves emergency access, school access and economic connectivity. Opponents, including property owners along existing East Minnesota Beach Road and representatives of Beachwalk and other neighborhoods, urged the commission to address drainage, wildlife impacts, potential flooding, and safety at the State Road 776 intersection before construction begins. Staff and the applicant said they will refine drainage design, meet county stormwater standards and pursue additional traffic study and FDOT coordination for the 776 intersection.

Conditions and next steps: The agreement directs the working group to proceed with design and permitting subject to county review and clarifies that the working group bears costs exceeding the not-to-exceed amount. Staff will continue the county\u0000s concurrent thoroughfare-plan review, which includes a separate review of Keyway Road as directed earlier by the board. The ESWG and county will coordinate detailed drainage design, environmental permitting and neighborhood mitigation measures (including a proposed 60-foot alignment shift south of Sarasota National, lower streetlight heights and a 30 mph posted speed) as part of final design and permitting. Staff will bring project-level documents and the final scope and cost estimates back to the board as permitting and design progress.","The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 27 to authorize a public\u0000private partnership with the Economic Stimulus Working Group to design and build the Minnesota (Manasota) Beach Road extension, add the project to the county CIP, and appropriate $15 million from the South District road impact/mobility fee fund. Supporters cited new","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sarasota commissioners add West Wing option to jail master plan study

Commission appoints two to Planning Commission and approves out-of-cycle comp-plan amendment request

Commission adds Midnight Pass language to 2026 legislative priorities and adopts program

Commission denies coastal setback variance for North Manasota Key seawall after public opposition

Commissioners approve Manasota Beach Road public—private agreement and add project to CIP