SRQ Daily: The Perspectives Edition features analysis, commentary and insight on current events in Sarasota and Manatee counties from regular columnists, local leaders and guest contributors. Readers are invited to submit letters that respectfully share their perspective on a local community topic or issue to: letters@srqme.com. Submissions received before Thursday of each week will be considered for the immediate Saturday edition. Editors reserve the right to fact-check and edit. SRQ MEDIA does not house an editorial board and as such does not publish editorials or endorsements of candidates. The opinions and analysis of columns and letters shared in this edition are those of the writer who submitted them. The Perspectives Edition serves as a respectful and thoughtful space for readers to share their voices on topics that are important to them. 

Voters spoke overwhelmingly in 2018 they wanted a more inclusive election of their City Commissioners. The Change the Date initiative was an unprecedented petition initiative campaign in Sarasota to increase voter turnout and the voice of minorities in elections. This Charter amendment proposal moved the date of city elections from off-cycle to when the most people vote, in August and November of even years.

It was a remarkable campaign that unified some of our most incredible groups across a spectrum of beliefs. They came together in to increase the voter representation of blacks, Hispanics and young people. Co-Chaired by Democrat and former Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Republican Public Defender Larry Eger, this partnership included amazing organizations like the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, ACLU of Florida, Gulf Coast Builder’s Exchange, Sarasota NAACP, Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association, Sarasota ACLU, Realtor Association of Sarasota Manatee, the Sarasota Police Union and The Argus Foundation, among others.

It started with a petition campaign in 2017 timed to make sure the referendum would be voted on in a regular November election. The campaign quickly achieved the petition requirement and almost 1,000 more petitions than what was needed.

It had wide support and that showed in the final polls in 2018, with 63% of voters wanting a more inclusive electorate.

Upon the first election under that new charter amendment, the City elected what was at that time the most diverse City Commission in the history of Sarasota. A woman, a black man and a young Hispanic man were elected to represent the city in one of the highest voter turnouts in city history.

It was a dramatic result that came about from the increased electorate representation for minorities. Black participation in the election of city commissioners more than doubled and there was an astounding 900% increase in Hispanic participation. 

But the important changes did not stop with that election. The election led to diverse leadership appointments, with the first black City Manager and the first Hispanic Police Chief. The second city commission election under this amendment, this month, led to a woman-majority on the City Commission. 

This past summer, Commissioner Hagen Brody took this initiative one step further and proposed a charter amendment to make sure that all charter changes, or changes to what is essentially the city “constitution,” are voted on by the electorate when representation is the highest. 

The Change the Date partners came back together again to encourage the City Commission to place the amendment on the ballot. In a passionate and eloquent speech, after reciting the increased minority participation statistics, Change the Date Co-Chair Suzanne Atwell testified “the evolution of this community is in a direction that is rising to the challenge of maximizing diversity and inclusion. As a community, we should take every opportunity to continue walking in this direction. Any conscious decision to remain rooted in a past that so obviously limited diversity and inclusion is of questionable merit.”

In a supermajority vote, Mayor Arroyo, Vice Mayor Battie, Commissioner Brody and Commissioner Alpert placed the item on the November ballot.

The city electorate passed this amendment with a strong 19% win-margin. It was not close.   

This referendum makes sure the original Change the Date amendment will never be overturned in a special election with a small electorate, and it ensures higher minority representation in changes to the city charter in the future. 

Congratulations to the city voters and the amazing and visionary group of community leaders and organizations who unified to make this historic and important change possible. The future is bright and now guaranteed to be more inclusive in the City of Sarasota.  

Christine Robinson is executive director of The Argus Foundation. 

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I’m reflecting on where I feel the most gratitude this season. I am grateful for the philanthropic community and our generous donors who provide hope to so many. I am thankful that our region is recovering and beginning to rebuild after Hurricane Ian and its tumultuous wrath. Experiencing our resilient nonprofit partners come together for the greater good has truly warmed my heart.

As we know, the Gulf Coast of Florida, as well as inland counties, experienced severe flooding and wind from Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28 and 29. It may become the costliest storm in Florida’s history. The Gulf Coast Board of Directors launched the Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative immediately after the storm. Over 40 grants have been awarded to our community’s nonprofits from Gulf Coast Community Foundation‘s Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Fund. In just three weeks, together with our generous donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has provided over $1 million for immediate humanitarian relief to area nonprofits devastated by Hurricane Ian. These nonprofits serve our community in myriad ways – from at-risk children and families, to our environment, seniors and more. Here are a few highlights of the grantees.

Barrier Island Parks Society in Boca Grande received $20,000 from our Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative to assist employees impacted by Hurricane Ian. Executive Director Sharon R. McKenzie shared, “It means so much to us to have your support especially during this time. We share in your deep care for our community and with your support we will continue to meet our important mission to protect our beautiful local beaches, wildlife, historical structures and maritime history. We are working daily to recover from this catastrophic event and we will remain resilient as we work towards our current goals to keep our beaches clean and safe, repair our damaged historic structures and offer educational programs in 2023.”

DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity received $25,000 from the initiative for the Disaster Recovery Critical Home Repair program fund, while Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida received $5,000 for transportation and gift cards for medicine. Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida serves clients with epilepsy who have no health insurance and are at or below the poverty level. Laurel Civic Association, Inc. received $10,000 for emergency assistance to families in need. The association, established in 1969, helps children and families get closer to the goal of self-sufficiency each day with the help of grants, donations, volunteers and collaborations.  

I am honored to share that our leadership model has provided help and hope to those most affected by Hurricane Ian, especially in the areas of affordable housing, mental health, and the environment. That makes me grateful this season. 

It’s said that thankfulness is the quickest path to joy. May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with joy and gratitude.

Mark Pritchett is President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 

Photo courtesy Gulf Coast Community Foundation, YMCA Southwest Florida.