County to hold comprehensive plan workshop

Sarasota County is preparing to update its comprehensive plan for the first time since 2006, and is initiating public input for the changes.

It is holding a public meeting tonight at the Gulf Gate Public Library. The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to start the updating process, educate the community about how it will be done and how residents can stay involved.

The community is invited to come to the library with questions and comments for county staff and administration. The county also has a page on its website with more information and updates on upcoming events. 

The comprehensive plan is a public policy document that guides the county’s goals and outlook for community development. The visionary plan—a community blueprint—is compiled with ideas and opinions from the community and sets the tone for the county’s development of land, economic growth, conservation and preservation of resources and public service provisions.

The county will evaluate the plan in seven categories, devoting about two months to each. The first is environmental systems, including conservation, sustainability and coastal management. This category, or cycle, will extend from March 2 to April 30.

During each cycle, the county will have additional public meetings geared specifically toward that topic.

IF YOU GO

What: Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan update kick-off
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Where: Conference Room, Gulf Gate Public Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota.