Sarasota County Commissioner Mike Moran was upset to learn Democratic opponent Mark Pienkos accepted donations above the $200 limit, but also startled that the Florida Democratic Party would try and donate $6,000 to a district campaign.

“I go to great lengths to stay out of other jurisdictions,” he said. “I make a big point constantly that I don’t get involved and state stuff and expect that they don’t get involved in my stuff. But it’s crystal clear how the rules work."

Pienkos, who said he understood political parties were excempt from a county charter cap, has gone ahead and returned money donated by the state party above that amount “in the spirit of transparency.” He’s done the same regarding donations from the county party, which had donated $1,500 for his campaign.

But Pienkos scoffs at the notion Moran has been the pinnacle of public service. The Democrat was drawn into the race over the decision by the county to redistrict a year before completion of the Census. In the process, two individuals who planned to run against the GOP incumbent were no longer eligible, and the district became markedly more Republican-friendly. PIenkos said the whole process was conducted in a “nefarious manner.”

“The gerrymandering decision disenfranchised 8,000 voters in Newtown,” he said. “That was my main reason to be in the race. But I’m concerned about the future of Sarasota County.”

He listed a series of decisions by Moran that he believes threaten the environment, including supporting a recycling plant near Celery Fields that ultimately was not approved by a majority of the commission. Pienkos said for his part, he wants to see greater preservation of character for rural areas like Old Myakka. “Keep the country country,” he said.

Moran defended the decision to redistrict, something done in response to a charter change moving to single-member districts. Even now, Moran said he sees voters turning in their ballots at county offices who feel confused why they can’t vote in the District 1 race, and didn’t realize the change meant every voter can only vote for one county commission candidate every four years. Regardless, he said commissioners had an obligation to redistrict to balance populations.

“I would agree it was politically motivated — by the Democratic Party bringing about single-member districts,” he said. “Once it was voted on, we did exactly what we were directed to do by the charter.”

As for growth, Moran said he’s always favored dense development at the city core, transitioning to rural densities.

As Moran makes the case he deserves another four years in office, he said county’s financial resiliency in the pandemic should be noted. He has pushed for the county to keep healthy reserves the last four years, and pressed hard for economic development to focus its energy on specific industries that diversify the economy to be more recession-proof. When the pandemic hit, the county maintained high bond ratings, and could direct resources to help businesses while other counties struggle fiscally.

But Pienkos said Moran has not been focused on communicating with his own constituents over the last four years. “I’m focused on what people are telling me are their priorities, on the environment, on overbuilding, on gerrymandering,” he said. “They want their commissioner to listen to them.”

Voters in Sarasota County District 1 vote on Nov. 3.

Photo: Mike Moran, Mark Pienkos

Mark Hughes has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group in the Venice office. He returns to RE/MAX and the area after leading two of the West Coast’s largest brokerages and taking a real estate startup to sale. Hughes is an accomplished real estate speaker, media talent, and former HGTV National Open House host. The Venice office is located at 1314 East Venice Avenue, Suite B. Hughes can be reached at 941-312-1708 or markhughes@remax.net. 

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County was recognized as a recipient of a Golden Image Award and Judges’ Award by the Florida Public Relations Association during its first-ever virtual Golden Image Awards Gala. “Now more than ever, our community has found comfort and opportunity in all things digital, and this includes the timeless power of storytelling,” said Mischa Kirby, APR, Vice President of Strategy and Communications at the Community Foundation. “We are honored that our website is recognized as a trusted resource and connector, and we will continue to expand and improve this virtual space to share more voices and positive stories of impact.” 

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Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) received over 700 cadet uniforms provided by the U.S. Army in Fort Benning, Ga., but needed a way to ship and store them. PODS Enterprises, LLC rose to the challenge and agreed to pick up, transport and store over $250,000 worth of uniforms at SMA High School until students were able to return to campus to start their school year. "The support from PODS for the Sarasota Military Academy has been overwhelming! We had an extremely valuable uniform initiative that was at a complete standstill because of a lack of options. PODS immediately stepped up and donated their services that made it possible for us to issue new uniforms to our Cadets,” said LTC (Ret.) Ben Weiss, Commandant. “Without the generous donation of time and resources from PODS this could not have happened. It is obvious that the leadership at PODS believe in giving back to the community and their efforts are greatly appreciated!"  

 Fishman & Associates recently hired Brad Buettin as Purchasing Director. Brad has significant experience managing all facets of global sourcing, supplier development, and cost reductions. Fishman & Associates provides food service design support to diverse clients nationwide including assisted living and retirement centers, healthcare facilities, hotels, hospitals, schools, restaurants, country clubs, churches, clubhouses, resorts and more. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center sought a seamless transition from one-to-one personal instruction to remote learning for individuals with vision loss. Funding in the amount of $9,839 was provided by the Harold E. and Ruth M. Niles Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for technology improvements. “We are extremely grateful to the Harold E. and Ruth M. Niles Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which provided this Community Impact Grant to the Lighthouse to upgrade our technology for remote learning,” said Lisa J. Howard, CEO. “This funding allows the Lighthouse to continue its vital services to those who need us most, especially while we navigate through this unprecedented time. For some of our clients, this was their first time going online.”  

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The City of Sarasota has extended its declaration of a local citywide public health emergency through October 9 following a weekly review, as required by the City Charter, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Face coverings are strongly encouraged in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in the City limits, whenever proper social distancing cannot be maintained in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The face covering ordinance is in effect through October 28. 

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