As Sarasota prepares for turnover in both the City Manager and City Attorney positions, City Mayor Liz Alpert feels her nine years on the Commission will provide valuable continuity. But Ron Kashden, the challenger for her District 2 seat, said now may be the best time to end an adversarial relationship between City Hall and many of its residents.

The candidates face each other in one of three City Commission battles on Nov. 5. Only District 2 voters will vote in the election.

Alpert feels the city made significant strides during her two terms. That includes establishing a nature preserve at Bobby Jones Golf Club, establishing The Bay after years of visioning and evolving zoning on Sarasota’s commercial corridors to allow for more mixed-use development.

“When I have been going door to door, for the most part people are pretty happy living here and with the city,” Alpert said. “I will hear people talk about traffic or redevelopment and talk to them when that comes up, but we are developing in the city the way you should develop.”

She said its urban sprawl that contributes to problems like road congestion and loss of green space. Development in the city core, she said, has made more compact growth patterns.

“I don’t see increased traffic,” she said. “I see increased people on the sidewalk.”

Kashden, though, feels concerned about the direction that threatens the character of the city and its neighborhoods. An active community member in Laurel Park since moving to the city in 2011, he’s frustrated by flawed approaches to planning focused on lavish incentivizing for developers. At the same time, he sees the city ignoring calls from neighbors for reasonable noise restrictions.

“It’s where you get down to details, the city commissioners fall flat and always,” he said.

He previously lived in Manhattan and said a “plainly audible” noise restriction there means businesses in one of the world’s biggest cities still make sure not to disrupt the lives of citizens living there. It makes no sense as Sarasota encourages more mixed-use development that it does not do the same.

“Do we want to become Bourbon Street where it is no longer reasonable for residents to be right next to those establishments?” Kashden said. “It seems like the city wants to do both, to have very loud outdoor events as well as encourage residential buildings right next to that.”

But a move away from Euclidean zoning and toward allowing more residential uses above commercial space has helped concerns like attainable and affordable housing. Allowing greater housing densities in the city, including in spaces as tight as 1,000 square feet, means more places are coming online affordable to a wider range of incomes.

She also said zoning changes will provide greater dividends in coming decades, more developments on U.S. 41 will have pedestrian space in the front with parking lots contained behind businesses. This could create a more walkable city and that’s more affordable and more welcoming.

But Kashden feels skeptical. Corridors like the Tamiami Trail and U.S. 301 will always primarily serve as traffic corridors through Sarasota, city planning should reflect that. “These are major arteries. Why are we trying to convert them?” he said.

He also sees problems with changes to height restrictions, which has led to massive proposals like The Obsidian, planned as Sarasota’s tallest condominium project.

Alpert notes much of the development downtown comes from vested development rights, much of that part of a Downtown Master Plan. But she also sees the city striking a balance between today’s needs and the existing concerns of residents.

“Many tell me they feel I’m the voice of reason on the Commission,” she said. “I’m thoughtful, I’m never rude to anybody and I have integrity, I hope there are people who see that.”

The two General Election Candidate Forums that were postponed as a result of Hurricane Milton have now been rescheduled. All candidates for these races have been invited. All candidates are asked the same questions and asked to speak for themselves with no rebuttal. Sarasota County Commission District 3 - October 21, 2024 5:30pm. Sarasota County Charter Review Board - October 22, 2024 5:30pm. Both forums will be live-streamed on the League’s YouTube Channel and will be available for later viewing. To submit questions for the candidates and get more information go to lwvsrq.org.In addition to candidate forums the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County provides multiple educational tools to empower Sarasota County’s voters: vote411.org - The US League’s comprehensive online voter guide which includes local races as well. A comprehensive, downloadable General Election Voter Guide geared to all Sarasota County voters (accessible from our homepage).Printed Voter Guides which are available at all the Sarasota County Public Libraries. (Check first for post Milton updates on which libraries are open.) Brochures on how to evaluate candidates running for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board (Spanish Version) and the pros and cons of Amendment 1 (Spanish Version). A website FAQs page focusing on voter registration, renewing vote by mail ballots and checking voter status in Sarasota County. Speaker’s Bureau presentations on the six amendments that appear on the November ballot., voting rights, mis and dis information and changes to Florida’s voting laws. To stay up to date on these forums and other League election related events subscribe to their monthly newsletter “The Sarasota Voter”. 

 Early Voting is Monday, October 21 through Sunday, November 3, 8:30am - 6:30 pm daily. SARASOTA COUNTY VOTERS (LBK South End). Supervisor of Elections 941.861.8600. Request a VBM ballot online: https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/ql3. General website: https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/. Closest Sarasota early voting location to LBK: Sarasota Elections Office, Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota. MANATEE COUNTY VOTERS (LBK North End) Supervisor of Elections 941.741.3823. Request a VBM ballot online: https://www.votemanatee.com/Early-Voting-Vote-By-Mail/Vote-By-Mail-Ballot-Request-Online. General website: https://www.votemanatee.com. Closest Manatee early voting location to LBK: GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton. 

Individuals in Manatee County who have been issued final injunctions for protection can now apply for a free Hope Card, providing quick, accessible proof of their protective order. This program, launched by the Manatee County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, aligns with Domestic Violence Awareness Month and offers an important tool for those needing immediate verification of their protective status. Created in coordination with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, the Hope Card is a convenient, wallet-sized card designed to simplify interactions with law enforcement. It quickly verifies that individuals are protected under a court order, reducing the need to carry legal documents and ensuring swift action when needed. This is especially important for those who may have been displaced or affected by recent events such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Anyone with a final injunction for protection—whether due to domestic violence, stalking, or similar threats—can apply for a Hope Card. The card, available in both digital and physical forms, is free and easy to obtain by visiting or contacting the Clerk’s office, or by filling out the form found in the final injunction for protection packet. The Hope Card program was mandated by legislation passed during the 2024 session, championed by Senator Lauren Book and Representative Mike Gottlieb. The card includes the names and birth dates of both the protected individual and the respondent, along with the case number and the order’s expiration date. Cards are valid for two years or until the injunction expires and can be renewed if necessary. For more information about the Hope Card program, visit the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website at https://www.flclerks.com/page/HopeCardProgram.  

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is urging voters to consider all modes of voting for the November 5 General Election, including in-person early voting. “As I’ve been saying for months now, the November 5 General Election will likely have record turnout,” Turner said. “We’re already seeing that in other states where early voting has begun. That’s why I’m urging voters to make a plan to vote—and consider voting early this election.” In-person early voting begins Monday, October 21 and continues through Sunday, November 3, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily at 10 sites throughout Sarasota County. “Early voting is a convenient method of voting,” Turner said. “It offers the flexibility of being able to vote at any of the 10 sites, even on weekends, while providing the in-person experience that so many voters enjoy.” November 5 General Election Early Voting Locations: Sarasota elections office, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, Venice elections office, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Rm 114, Venice, North Port elections office, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port, North Sarasota Library 2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota, Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Rd, Sarasota, Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd, Sarasota, Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave, Sarasota, Osprey Library, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port. Turner also reminds voters that printed sample ballots for the November 5 General Election are in the mail now and available online. Voters may access their personalized sample ballot by visiting SarasotaVotes.gov and clicking on the Sample Ballot quick link icon at the top of the page. For more information, visit SarasotaVotes.gov or call 941.861.8618. 

Following two devastating hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is proud to announce that our local beaches and small businesses are "still shining." Restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more are beginning to reopen, and the Chamber is helping to shine a light on these businesses. “Our small businesses are the heart and soul of this community, and they need our support now more than ever," said Robin Miller, President and CEO of the Chamber. Through mini re-openings and ongoing promotions, the Chamber is encouraging the community to share the news and support the small businesses that have reopened their doors. Every visit, purchase, or stay helps these businesses recover and strengthens the resilience of our Pinellas beach communities. For more information email the Chamber at info@tampabaybeaches.com or call the Chamber at 727-360-6957. 

As Shumaker continues to expand its reach and deepen its talent pool, the firm welcomes two new associates, Anna C. Irving and Larissa M. Jackson. Anna joins Shumaker as a member of the Real Estate and Development Service Line. With a keen eye for detail, Anna represents clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions, including property acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing, and development, making her an essential addition to the team as the real estate market continues to evolve. Shumaker’s Litigation and Disputes Service Line is strengthened by Larissa’s client-focused approach and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes. Beyond her litigation practice, Larissa is known for her dedication to giving back, having earned the Pro Bono and Public Service Certificate for her volunteer work with organizations such as Texas Free Legal Answers, Disability Works Texas, and the Afghan Refugee Project. As a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and the Military Spouse JD Network, Larissa brings a deep sense of service and excellence to her legal work. 

The Women’s Resource Center’s (WRC) board of directors has voted to openly and vocally support Amendment 4 with a campaign to encourage people to vote yes on the reproductive rights amendment. The nonprofit has also released a video addressing the misinformation being spread in the state regarding this petition-driven, citizen effort to overturn the 6-week abortion ban currently in place. The 30-minute segment, hosted by WRC CEO Ashley Brown, includes interviews with Manatee County League of Women Voters representative Nancy Hughes, former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, and Jaymie Carter, a co-founder with Whitmore of a coalition called Conservative Women for Freedom. 

Pictured: L to R: WRC CEO Ashley Brown; Manatee County League of Women for Freedom. Voters representative Nancy Hughes; WRC board member Jaymie Carter; former Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore with Jaymie Carter, Conservative Women for Freedom.

As announced last Friday, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will be closed for restoration from storm surge for the rest of the calendar year. The closure has affected three Sarasota Orchestra concerts: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - This concert has been cancelled with plans to return to a galaxy far, far away in performances next fall. Masterworks: Going Places - We are happy to announce that the Sarasota Opera House will host our first Masterworks concert of the season, when Giancarlo Guerrero makes his debut as music director designate! Performances will now take place November 7-9, with Thursday and Friday evening performances at 7:30 pm and a Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm. Masterworks: Beethoven's Seventh - The Orchestra's artistic and administrative leadership continue to explore options for an alternate performance venue. We will provide an update to patrons as soon as possible. Read on for additional details about the changes to Masterworks: Going Places and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, including information and options for current ticket holders. New Venue, Dates, and Program for Our Music Director Designate's Inaugural Concert. Masterworks: Going Places has moved to November 7-9 at the Sarasota Opera House. Giancarlo Guerrero leads a program revised for his joyous debut as music director designate on a more intimate stage. Powerhouse violinist Vadim Gluzman performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, with two of Dvořák’s best-loved works embracing the stunning showpiece: the "New World" Symphony and Carnival Overture. Tickets to the launch of an inspired artistic future for your Sarasota Orchestra go on sale Monday, October 21! Information for Current Ticket Holders - Masterworks: Going Places. We look forward to seeing you at the Sarasota Opera House for Masterworks: Going Places. Our Box Office team will be in touch with you soon about seating changes. You can also take advantage of free ticket exchanges. Questions may be directed to the Box Office by emailing BoxOffice@SarasotaOrchestra.org or calling 941-953-3434. 

Meet eight talented women who have made their mark on the Sarasota interior design scene, October 2024.

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