Sarasota County's politicians act like puppets for real estate developers

Residents, staff no match for developer

On April 26, the Herald-Tribune told us about the ways area developers cultivate influence with Sarasota County elected officials and staff ( “Documents show close contacts between major developers and Sarasota County officials” ). On the front page May 2, we learned why this matters.

Local residents opposed plans to add dozens of “modular” schoolrooms (aka trailers) to a private school campus on Bee Ridge Road. The county’s own zoning administrator and a special magistrate agreed with the neighbors and found that the proposal violated the school developer’s submitted site plans.

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So having heard clearly from residents and their own staff, what do the Sarasota County commissioners do? Ignore them all and approve the plans on a 4-1 vote ( “Area private school wins debate on growth” ),

As they once again reject their own constituents and qualified planning professionals, it’s fair to ask: Whom are they working for?

Ben Abramson, Venice

World-class first responders to the rescue

Last week, my wife and I observed a pilotless boat running at high speed in an endless circle in the Intracoastal Waterway in Sarasota.

Unsure how to remedy the situation, we called 911.

The 911 operator calmly and efficiently extracted the necessary information to send an appropriate response team, while ensuring we remained safe. Within minutes, the Sarasota police arrived on the scene and within 90 seconds successfully beached the boat.

Around this time, the fire department, an ambulance and another emergency response vehicle arrived by land, and two Coast Guard boats and sheriff’s deputies arrived by water.

An individual on the boat, who had evidently collapsed, was evacuated, treated and presumably taken to the hospital. Hopefully, that person will recover quickly.

Sea Tow removed the disabled boat and the site was promptly cleared.The episode was surreal for us. The work of the first responders was world class.

Thanks to the response teams for their dedication, training and service to the community.

Scott Randolph, Sarasota

College provides link to North Trail vision

We were fortunate to attend the unveiling of the planned Signature Academic Building at Ringling College.

Dr. Larry Thompson led his tremendous leadership team of volunteers, staff and professionals and presented the soon-to-be constructed building on campus at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Tamiami Trail.

The phenomenal architectural statement will embody the energy, passion and excellence of the college while illuminating its ascendance into the future.

In addition to elevating Ringling College, this building provides a key link realizing the “Gateway 2000” vision of Lt. Gen. Rolland Heiser and Arland Christ-Janer.

As a whole, New College, the Ringling Museum, Ringling College, The Bay, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Sarasota Art Museum – which is a branch of Ringling College – and Sarasota Memorial Hospital have transformed Tamiami Trail to highlight Sarasota’s excellence in education, arts, environment and health care.

We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful city.

John B. Harshman, Sarasota

Find common ground and vote

Too many Americans fail to see just how much is at stake in the next presidential election.

Evil increasingly exists at the fringe of this world; it threatens our freedom, our joy and our peace.

The far left often displays outrageous behavior, demanding to be loved. The far right proclaims false righteousness, ignoring all others. The center is exhausted by the constant push and pull of the deranged and self-centered.

The truth is that our brokenness can only be repaired through education, respect and love.

We all need to step up, educate ourselves and vote.

Lavonne Shedivy, Longboat Key

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County's politicians act like puppets for real estate developers