Sarasota County Commission to discuss watershed plans

Sarasota County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District have spent more than $6 million combined over the last eight years to develop management plans for four local watersheds.

County commissioners will decide whether to adopt the plans Feb. 26, which would give the county guidance to improve and maintain the water quality of Sarasota Bay, Little Sarasota Bay, Roberts Bay and Lemon Bay.

The Little Sarasota Bay Water Quality Management Plan recommends 21 projects totaling $8.2 million, of the 99 total recommendations from all four plans.

Other topics on the agenda include:
• A staff request to waive purchasing procedures and negotiate a contract with Sweet Sparkman Architects to advance the Fruitville Initiative
• Annual report presentations from the Keep Sarasota Beautiful Advisory Board and the Parks Advisory and Recreation Council
• Options regarding the county’s stake in Warm Mineral Springs
• A discussion about the county’s purchasing policy

IF YOU GO
What: Sarasota County Commission meeting
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26
Where: Administration Building, Commission Chambers, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota