County engineer resigns for position in Alachua

Sarasota County has lost one of its top officials, as County Engineer Jim Harriott will resign this month after nearly 19 years with the municipality.

Harriott has accepted the position of assistant county manager for Alachua County. Harriott and his wife lived in Gainesville, the county seat, for eight years. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Florida.

“It’s a chance to go back to a place that’s always felt a little like home,” Harriott said.

Harriott moved to Sarasota after his education in Gainesville almost 19 years ago, he said. He’s been the county engineer for around 10 years. His last day is Oct. 17.

Isaac Brownman, director of Public Works, appointed Carolyn Eastwood, manager of systems mangement, to act as interim while the county advertises the position.