Contact County Commissioners
Dear Gulf Gate Resident:
We have been informed by Commissioner Dr. Joe Neunder that the county commission needs to hear from more Gulf Gate Residents. Please copy and paste the following letter and send it to BCC@scgov.net or Commissioners@scgov.net.
Respectfully submitted,
Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
president@ggca.us
_______________________
To: Sarasota County Commissioners
From: YOUR NAME
Re: A Request for the County to Purchase the Former Gulf Gate Golf Course
Dear Commissioners,
I’m writing to you not just as resident, but as a neighbor who cares deeply about the future of Sarasota County and Gulf Gate Estates. I’ve been following the discussion about the former Gulf Gate Golf Course property and Resilient SRQ, and I sincerely hope you’ll consider acquiring this land for public use, especially as a much-needed stormwater facility and park land.
This land has a long and complicated history. Past development efforts failed due to contamination and flooding concerns. The site has known arsenic and asbestos risks and sits in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area. With over 1,500 homes around it, many of us already deal with drainage problems.
I’m especially concerned about the environmental and health impacts of disturbing contaminated soil so close to homes, schools, and Little Sarasota Bay. Many are still reeling from what happened at the old Rolling Green golf course in North Sarasota, where residents endured months of dust, rats, and respiratory issues.
But this letter is not just about what I don’t want, it’s about what I believe is possible. I believe this land could serve a greater purpose as green infrastructure: a stormwater park, a place for flood mitigation, water filtration, and maybe even trails and native landscaping. A win for the environment and for the community.
Please consider this an earnest and respectful request to continue discussions with the current owner and explore options for public purchase. I know Sarasota County is committed to sustainability and resilience, and this is a chance to show that vision in action.
Thank you for your service.
Respectfully,
YOUR NAME