Waechter resigns from advisory boards

Former GOP Chairman Bob Waechter has resigned from the Tourist Development Council and the board of Zoning Appeals,

Waechter sent his letter of resignation to County commissioners yesterday.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office charged Waechter with a felony for alleged fraudulent campaign contributions made under the name of fellow Republican, and political rival, Lourdes Ramirez.

Waechter remains on the board of directors of the Siesta Key Association, as of the organization's meeting last week.

In his letter to commissioners Waechter said he had planned to leave the Tourist Development Council when his term on the Airport Authority ended, and said the “stellar” performance of the county's zoning staff diminished the influence of the board of Zoning Appeals.

“Given the preceding, and the fact I have too much respect for this board and each of you to place you in the uncomfortable position of having to discuss whether you have the option or inclination of removing me from these position…I hereby tender to you my resignations from both the Tourist Development Council and the board of Zoning Appeals effective immediately,” Waechter said in the letter.