Golf Course Update January 2026

CONTACT SARASOTA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Gulf Gate Golf Course

The Gulf Gate Community Association, urges all residents to contact the Sarasota County Commissioners to encourage the county to acquire the Gulf Gate Golf Course property.

Instructions for Use

1. Copy the text below into a document or email.
2. Fill in the bracketed information (e.g., [Your Name]).
3. Send to the Sarasota County Commissioners 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
   Sarasota, FL 34240

Subject: URGENT: Opposition to Gulf Gate Golf Course Development & Request for Public Acquisition

To the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners,

I am writing as a resident of Gulf Gate to express my deep concern regarding the proposed development of the former Gulf Gate Golf Course. While I appreciate the County’s ongoing efforts related to storm recovery and long‑term mitigation, as well as the thoughtful planning presented through Resilient SRQ, I believe allowing development on this specific property directly contradicts our shared goals of storm recovery and long-term flood mitigation.

As you are aware, our community is still grappling with the physical and financial impacts of recent three severe weather events. The former golf course sits at a critical point within the Matheny Creek and Elligraw Bayou drainage basins. Civil engineer Steve Suau has identified this land as a vital component for stormwater retention. Developing this site with impervious surfaces would endanger approximately 7,500 living units downstream.

I am formally urging the Commission to:

• Immediately halt any further advancement of the proposed development on this property.
• Explore the use of eminent domain to acquire the land for the public’s benefit.

By securing this land for public use, Sarasota County can proactively protect thousands of existing homes, create a large-scale filtration system, and preserve essential greenspace. This is a rare opportunity to prioritize long-term resilience over short-term development gains.

We cannot afford to repeat the planning mistakes of the past. I respectfully ask that you take decisive action to protect our homes and our environment before irreversible harm is done.

Thank you for your leadership and for considering the safety of the Gulf Gate community.

Sincerely,

[Your First & Last Name] [Your Address in Gulf Gate] [Your Email/Phone Number]

---

 

Resilient SRQ 2024 Storms Draft Action Plan Submitted to HUD

Dear Gulf Gate Residents:

On Friday, April 25, Resilient SRQ submitted the final draft action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD has up to 45 days to review, provide comments or approve the plan. Once approved, Resilient SRQ will begin implementing the programs outlined in the plan. The Golf Course made this list with instructions on how to apply.

Gulf Gate Golf Course

County response: Comments received helped further justify the substantial need for Infrastructure and Public Facilities projects and indicated public support for such projects. No further actions were taken.

Several comments provided suggestions for the acquisition of the Gulf Gate golf course which would need to be applied for under the infrastructure and public facility projects to be considered by the County. The request to purchase the 49-acre parcel can be submitted via an application process once the Infrastructure and Public Facilities program launches after HUD’s formal approval of this Action Plan and development of programmatic Policies and Procedures.

The County anticipates potentially launching the program sometime in 2025 at which time applications will need to be submitted by eligible public entities.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
President@ggcaboard.com

 

Dear Residents:

Since the last update, I have toured the golf course with County Commissioners Teresa Mast and Mark Smith. Before I get into the tours, I wanted to let you know the statistical outcome of the Gulf Gate Library.

Public Input Overview

• A total of 26 speaker cards were submitted during the Gulf Gate Library public input meeting, with only two individuals absent when called. Both provided input through alternative methods, including a paper survey and a handwritten note, which were transcribed and entered into the online form. Neither of these residents specifically mentioned the Gulf Gate Golf Course acquisition but instead addressed general flooding and infrastructure concerns.
• 95 residents signed into the meeting, and 53 paper surveys were submitted. The public input period was extended from February 15 to February 16, 2025, allowing additional time for residents to provide feedback.

These statistics were provided to us as part of an investigation into why more of us were not able to attend or hear the meeting. As for the tours, we showed various views of the golf course and discussed the benefits. One suggestion from the tours was that we be open to sharing the 49-acre greenspace with the county taxpayers. We have been careful since to discuss the benefits of the parks and nature trails and our willingness to share them with Sarasota County residents and visitors.

During the commissioner tours, we discussed the number of companies that have passed on the golf course property since it was first rezoned at the request of Medallion Homes. Since then, Lennar vacated a partnership in 2022, and before that Mattamy Homes and DR Horton had investigated and passed on the opportunity to rid the property of its inherent contamination from its years being fed golf course chemicals to keep the greens. This could be important in the negotiations.

Upcoming: April 22 Meeting on 2024 Storms Final Draft Action Plan

On Tuesday, April 22, the Sarasota County Commission will convene at 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota to discuss and decide upon programs and allocations to incorporate into the final draft action plan prior to its submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The official agenda will be published on April 15.

Tune in by watching the official county live stream, Comcast channel 19, Frontier channel 32 or by visiting scgov.net and searching Meetings on Demand.

Interested individuals are also welcome to attend in person in the commission chambers. Individuals wishing to speak may do so during the "open to the public" section, which starts shortly after the meeting begins at 9 a.m. Please note that public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

Visit Resilient SRQ Website

To learn more or be notified about program updates, events and information, visit ResilientSRQ.net, call 941-861-5309 or email ResilientSRQ@scgov.net.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
President@ggcaboard.com

 

Dear Gulf Gate Residents,

Public Comment on Resilient SRQ Action Plan

Please consider attending this important community meeting regarding Resilient SRQ funding for the former golf course. It takes place Friday, March 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota.

For those wishing to speak during the meeting public speaker cards will be available. Speakers will be addressing Resilient SRQ staff and will be called in order that their completed cards are received. If you'd like to speak, please check the box in the upper right corner of the card and confirm when signing on the day of the event. If you have not checked the box, the card will be considered a “comment only” submission. Each speaker will have 3 minutes, but if there is a high number of participants the time may be reduced to two minutes.

For those unable to speak in person, there are multiple ways to submit comments:

Online Form: An online submission at 2024storms.resilientsrq.net/action-plan will be available beginning Monday March 3, 2025—this is the most common method for sending feedback.

Email: Send comments to ResilientSRQComments@scgov.net

Mail: Written comments can be mailed to:
Resilient SRQ
301 N. Cattlemen Rd Suite 200
Sarasota, FL 34232

This meeting will be live streamed on access Sarasota and available for viewing on Comcast channel 19 Frontier channel 32 and online at scgov.net (search “Meetings on Demand.”) If you are unable to attend in person, the recording will be available on the Resilient SRQ website a few days after the meeting.

The comment period will remain open until April 14th, and all submitted comments will be published on the resilient SRQ website along with the county’s response. This is a valuable opportunity to share the importance of a stormwater facility and public green space for Sarasota County. I encourage you to attend or participate by submitting your feedback.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
President@ggcaboard.com

 

Notice of Public Hearings

Dear Residents,

Gulf Gate is still in the running for the HUD funding through the Resilient SRQ program, and we need to rally two more times—just like we did at the Gulf Gate Library. I heard someone say that meeting was “over-attended.” Can we please do that again? I am sharing the communication below from Resilient SRQ.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
president@ggcaboard.us

“Beginning March 3, 2025, community members are invited to review and comment on the Resilient SRQ Draft Action Plan, which proposes the use of funds for recovery efforts following 2024 Storms Debby, Helene, and Milton. The draft action plan will be available for review and comment on Monday, March 3, 2025, around midday.

The public comment period will run from March 3 to April 3, 2025.

Provide Feedback:

Attend a Resilient SRQ public hearing:
o Tuesday, March 4 from 6 to 8 p.m., at R.L. Anderson Administration Center (South), 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.
o Friday, March 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Sarasota County Administration Center (North), 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

The meetings will be live streamed on Access Sarasota. Watch on Comcast Channel 19, Frontier Channel 32 or on scgov.net and search “Meetings on Demand.” There will be public speaker cards for those who’d like to speak. Speakers will be addressing Resilient SRQ staff. The recordings of the meeting will be published a few days after on the Resilient SRQ website for anyone who missed it.

Speakers will be called on a first completed card received, first called to speak basis. Please make sure you check the box at the top right corner of the card to notify staff they’d like to speak. Staff will also remind them when they sign in on the day of. If they do not, the card will be considered a comment only. Speakers will have 3 minutes each; however, if we receive a lot of cards to speak, we may reduce it to 2 minutes. But that is typically unlikely.

Submit comments through an online form which will be published on Monday. This method is most common for sending in your comments.

Email comments and feedback to:
ResilientSRQComments@scgov.net

Mail written comments to:
Resilient SRQ
301 N. Cattlemen Road, Suite 200
Sarasota, FL 34232

After the comment period ends, all comments will be published on our website with the County’s response by April 14th.”

Resilient SRQ
Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
301 N. Cattlemen Rd, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34232

 

Take Action - Urge Sarasota County to Acquire the Gulf Gate Golf Course

Dear Gulf Gate Residents,

Sarasota County is currently considering acquisition of the Gulf Gate Golf Course for stormwater management and as a public green space. This decision will have lasting consequences for flood mitigation, water quality, and the preservation of our community’s character.

The 49-acre golf course sits within the Matheny Creek and Elligraw Bayou drainage basins, which both discharge into Little Sarasota Bay. A professional study by P.E. Engineering and Consulting and RESPEC found that converting 30.5 acres of this land into a water management facility could reduce nitrogen runoff by 400 pounds and phosphorus by 250 pounds annually. This acquisition would help prevent flooding, improve water quality, and provide passive recreational space for the community.

Now, we need your help. Please email the Sarasota County Commissioners today and urge them to acquire the Gulf Gate Golf Course to improve water quality, build resilience to future heavy rainfall, and as a green space. Your voice matters, and the more emails they receive, the stronger our message will be.

Sincerely,

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
president@ggcaboard.us

 

Below is a sample email you can send or personalize to bcc@scgov.net. This will go to their individual mailboxes.

Subject: Sarasota County’s Acquisition of Gulf Gate Golf Course

Dear Commissioner,

I am a resident of Gulf Gate, and I strongly urge you to support the county’s acquisition of the Gulf Gate Golf Course as a stormwater management facility and public green space. This land is vital for flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and preserving much-needed open space for our county residents.

The conversion of this land could significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into Little Sarasota Bay while preventing increased flood risks. Additionally, protecting this area as public space aligns with FEMA’s floodplain management objectives by not developing on flood prone lands.

Please act in the best interest of the community and future generations by securing this property for environmental and recreational use.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

 

 

February 20, 2025 Update:

Dear Resident,

The acquisition of the former Gulf Gate Golf Course as a stormwater facility was not recommended by Resilient SRQ staff to the Sarasota County Commissioners.

We had tremendous turnout at the Gulf Gate Library; however, the library reached its capacity, and many attendees left without filling out cards in support of the Association’s submission. This means our numbers will not reflect the true passion of the community.

The time is now, as in the next couple of days, to send voluminous emails to Commissioners at commissioners@scgov.net and FLOOD Sarasota County Commissioners with emails in support of the purchase of the Gulf Gate Golf Course to improve flooding, water quality, and public safety.

You may simply copy and paste one or more of the following benefits into the body of your email.

1. Flood Prevention: Repurposing the 49-acre Gulf Gate Golf Course into a Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility allows for the capture, storage, and control of heavy rainfall.
2. Public Safety: A Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility can alleviate water incursion to the Bounty Lift Station, which released 5,500 gallons of untreated wastewater in 2019, then 96,000 gallons in TS Debby.
3. Build Resiliency: By controlling the flow of water, a Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility lessens the destructive power of potential floods, improves public health and safety, and builds resilient communities.
4. Improve Water Quality: The Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility acts as a natural filtration system, reducing harmful nitrogen and other pollutants that fuel Red Tide—all less than a mile from Little Sarasota Bay.
5. Avoid Blight: The repurpose of the former 49-acre golf course as the Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility creates a green space for our entire county to enjoy.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association
president@ggcaboard.us

 

Public Hearing

Dear Gulf Gate Residents,

There was a huge turnout for the Resilient SRQ Meeting about using HUD funds to repurpose the former 49-acre Gulf Gate Executive Golf Course, unfortunately, many of us could not see or hear.

I am excited to announce another opportunity to be speak and present evidence at the next regularly scheduled Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting on February 25, 2025 at 9:00am.

Although we are not on the agenda, we are invited to speak on any topic of concern during the designated public comment period toward the beginning of the meeting.

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Sarasota County Administration Building, County Commission Chamber, 1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL

Please arrive early to fill out a speaker card. Each speaker will be given up to three minutes to share concerns and hopes that they will develop a Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility by repurposing golf course.

We want to keep it positive and refer to it as the Gulf Gate Stormwater Facility as often as possible. We hope to see you, and please take a moment to email commissioners@scgov.net that the golf course is a rare opportunity and an exceptional solution to build resiliency to storm damage, especially flooding.

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association, Inc.
president@ggcaboard.us

 

Notice

Gulf Gate Golf Course: Resilient SRQ Public Meeting

Dear Gulf Gate Residents & Stakeholders,

You are invited to attend the Resilient SRQ Public Meeting to discuss the future of the former Gulf Gate Executive Golf Course as a Stormwater Management Facility.

 Date: February 15, 2025
 Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
 Location: Gulf Gate Library

 

How You Can Participate:

 Fill out a comment card (topics will be collected).
 Speak for a minute—Sarasota County staff will relay number of attendees and their topics to the commissioners.
 Follow up with an email to commissioners@scgov.net (Trust but verify).

Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of Gulf Gate. If you cannot join us, please email commissioners@scgov.net to ensure our community remains safe, resilient, and prepared for future environmental challenges.

 

Forest Balderson, President
Gulf Gate Community Association, Inc.
 president@ggcaboard.us

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Gulf Gate Golf Course Update February, 2025

The Gulf Gate Golf Course Acquisition has been listed as a 2025 Policy Agenda item for the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners.  A key to purchasing the 49-acre parcel is funding.  Your prior participation in emails and attendance in 2023 was effective and thank you.

Sarasota County will receive $210 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to support long-term recovery efforts from the 2024 storms Debby, Helene and Milton.  The Gulf Gate Golf Course acquisition qualifies and will be submitted by the Gulf Gate Community Association.

We are reaching out to request that you attend and speak for one minute at the County’s Resilient SRQ public meetings. These meetings are about numbers. The County Commissioners will get a tally of how many people showed up for the public meeting about the Gulf Gate Golf Course acquisition and the number of speakers.

ONE MINUTE OF SPEAKING CAN LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

Please support our community association’s Resilient SRQ submission by attending one of the upcoming public meetings. We will meet 15 minutes ahead of time to make sure we’re prepared.

It’s as easy as: 1. Attend 2. Fill out a card. 3. Speak for a minute.

Wednesday	Feb 5	5:30 pm – 7:30 pm	Jacaranda Public Library	4143 Woodmere Park Blvd
Saturday	Feb 8	2:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Fruitville Public Library	100 Apex Road
Thursday	Feb 13	2:30 pm – 4:30 pm	N. Sarasota Public Library	2801 Newtown Blvd
Saturday	Feb 15	2:30 pm – 4:30 pm	Gulf Gate Public Library	7112 Curtiss Ave

 

Carpool with neighbors or friends.  This is a group effort.   Make it fun to make an impact.

5 good reasons to support the Gulf Gate Golf Course Acquisition

• Flood prevention
• Improve stormwater capacity
• Mitigate red tide
• Repair and replace aged failed lift stations
• Benefits far beyond Matheny Creek and Elligraw Bayou neighborhoods

An enhanced list of speaker statements provided at the meetings

January 2025 Golf Course Development Update

Past President Cass Smith continues to register concerns with the Florida Department of
Environmental Regulation (FDEP) portal regarding various issues related to the potential
development of the property. We are fortunate to have Cass with her research, background and
writing consistently raising questions and concerns on the FDEP site related to the 49 acres.

In 2023, the Gulf Gate Board of Directors approved retaining an environmental consultant who
as needed provides review, content and communication on our behalf. The FDEP continues to
validate the issues raised by our community association.

Commissioner Neunder asked that we provide photos showing where our streets flooded in
2024 as citizen input to commissioners@scgov.net. Tours of the area will be offered to the new
county commissioners so they can see the parcel, the water flow, basins, etc. and be educated
on the benefits to stormwater management for our area and engage in supportive roles. Jon
Thaxton and Christine Johnson our community lead sponsors are also engaged in support on
our behalf. We will keep you apprised as we learn more.

July 2024 Golf Course Development Update

GOLF COURSE UPDATE - October 21st, 2023

Hi Neighbors:

Much has been going on behind the scenes regarding the county's purchase of the Gulf Gate Golf Course.  We have graduated to being an agenda item for discussion on the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting schedule on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. You are welcome to attend if you would like to. We will again have speakers organized for the open to the public comment
timeframe at 9 a.m. Our agenda item will likely be discussed in the afternoon. The meeting is streamed live online if you would like to watch it from home.  Commissioners Meeting:  Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 1660 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, Florida, 9 a.m. Public Comment, our agenda item likely afternoon. The county commissioner agenda comes out 1 week prior to the meeting so we do not have much lead time on agenda.  Members of the Gulf Gate Golf Course Committee met with each of our commissioners 1-on-1 this week.  The conversations were positive, informative and encouraging.  Spencer Anderson, the Director of Public Works toured the Gulf Gate Golf Course property this week.  Thank you to the homeowners who provided us access through their yards for the tour.  Spencer had a call on Thursday with the owner who indicated they are willing sellers and began the discussion on amount (seller would like more than what the appraisal is, no surprise there).  We are fortunate to have experienced and well credentialed employees in our county.  As we are learning along the way, this is a multi-step process.  Your emails and signatures on the petition have made an impact and another wave of emails to the county commissioners would be
beneficial. If you would like to email again and encourage neighbors, please email commissioners@scgov.net to support the purchase for stormwater management, water quality, flood prevention (suggested ideas below the otter photo). Thank you for your continued support and  encouragement.

Our commissioners recognize stormwater management, water quality and floor prevention is their priority and hearing from constituents is beneficial. We learned that our commissioners (at least one of them) save the emails and all are impressed with the number of emails. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Thank you,

Cass Smith, Gulf Gate Golf Course Committee Chair, GGCA Director and all the Gulf Gate Golf Course Committee Members

 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE - September 7th, 2023

NEW DATE: Commissioners Meeting
SEPTEMEBER 12, 10:00AM-12:30PM
ROBERT ANDERSON BLDG.
4000 TAMIAMI TRL. VENICE

Hi Neighbors,

The Commissioners meeting is rescheduled for September 12, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Please try to attend to support the Commissioners funding of the golf course property. We dodged a bullet when hurricane Idalia tracked north. The devastating flooding made us redouble our efforts to have the County purchase the 49 acres. Please come to the meeting or send an email of support. Our petition is online on Facebook and Nextdoor with over 1000 signatures! Thanks for your support. Our success will mean a more resilient community.

GULF GATE GOLF COURSE UPDATE - August 28th, 2023

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

The Commissioners’ meeting tomorrow has been postponed because of the impending hurricane Idalia.  We will contact everyone as soon as we are informed of an alternate date. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the critical and immediate need for a stormwater management area to mitigate flood damage in our communities. We will rally again soon but, in the meantime, keep your family safe and look in on your neighbors. Take pictures of flooded areas if it is safe to do so.

Thanks to all and stay tuned.

GULF GATE GOLF COURSE UPDATE - August 23, 2023

CALLING ON OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS

The next step… ATTEND THE MEETING.

ROBERT L. ANDERSON ADMINISTRATION CENTER
4000 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL
COMMISSION CHAMBER
VENICE, FL
10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Commissioner Neunder will bring up the County’s purchase of the golf course at the August 29, Board of
County Commissioners meeting. We are sending out emails to alert our residents and friends through the
GGCA website, Nextdoor, and Facebook. Please share the information with neighbors and friends. This will be our opportunity to address the Commissioners and request further action so the county can begin negotiations with the property owner. To all who asked, “What can I do?”, please try to attend the meeting. Commissioner Nuender will speak between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Your presence will be noted by the Commissioners. The process may not be concluded at this meeting, but it should move us closer to our goal. Thanks for your support.

GULF GATE GOLF COURSE UPDATE - July 2023:

The County’s plan to acquire the 49acre former golf course is moving forward. At the 6/13 Sarasota County Board of Commissioners meeting, attended by Gulf Gate residents, our District 4 Commissioner Nuender proposed a Board assignment allowing County staff pursue funding options. This is a water quality initiative and opens a dialogue regarding funding sources. A concern was raised about arsenic levels, however numerous data sampling and a Phase 2 Environmental reportis now available. Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties have allpurchased former golf courses for stormwater storage facilities. They were able to mitigate the arsenic successfully and are now in the building phase. Commissioner Nuender has requested a tour of the golf course and a neighborhood meeting with residents which is beingscheduled. Jon Thaxton and Christine Johnson of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, an eminent environmental organization,have generously given us their time and guidance as the necessary bureaucratic process moves forward. Spencer Anderson, Director of Public Works, is now coordinating funding opportunities. We have emphasized that time is of the essence. There is a willing buyer now but that could change. The first step is to acquire the property. We have come a long way. We have support throughout the County and want to reach out to other stakeholder communities for their support. Our success will positively affect flood proofing efforts in their neighborhoods as well. Please send in your email address for further updates. Stay tuned!

GOLF COURSE UPDATE - Nov 2022:

After six months, Lennar Homes, the developer that planned to build on the site of the former 49 acre golf course has sold its interest to Gulf Gate Holding LLC (aka 13th Floor Homes). As of November 2022, it is now the sole owner. Sarasota County is currently in negotiations with Gulf Gate holdings LLC. to purchase the property. The developer continues to be bound by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) required arsenic testing as it continues talks with the County. The FDEP stipulations mandated for approval of land use remain in force. The developer has yet to comply with the mapping and delineation of the existing Groundwater Arsenic Plume, which is contaminated water that has seeped down into soil, sand, and rock. Further testing is required, including more monitoring wells to be installed on County property outside of the property boundaries. Additionally, re-evaluation of the testing plans for mix/blend of arsenic soils is necessary. The current owner has requested an extension through April 2023 to complete testing.

Lack of arsenic dust emission containment measures during development present a serious hazard that remains inadequately addressed. Recent actions by the developer, including failure to notify FDEP and County and during soil excavation and failure to cover the disturbed area indicated a disregard for safety regulations and oversight. According to the FDEP, removal of the protective plastic coverings on the recently excavated soil piles in the pilot testing areas and restoration of vegetative cover should commence within 60 days. Oversight by authorities is expected.

Our environmental and land use attorney, Ralf Brookes and environmental consultant Sid Duque have reviewed all documents concerning the FDEP requirements. They sent a letter and evaluation citing these issues to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Regional Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Tampa FDEP. Their comments countered many of the developer consultants’ insufficient proposals and pointed out shortcomings to the current owner’s remediation plan. This was a factor in delaying the approval of the Site Assessment Report (SAR), which would allow development to move forward.

SUPPORT GROWS FOR THE COUNTY PLAN
Support for the Sarasota County plan is growing. Conservation and Environmental organizations have sent letters of support for the purchase of the 49 acre former golf course. Please encourage all your neighbors and fellow citizens to join in this effort. Let our representatives know we want their approval of this unique opportunity.
We remain optimistic as the County continues negotiations with the developer. However, let’s continue to contact the Sarasota County Commissioners with letters of support for the creation of a mini celery field on those 49 acres. Remember that this is a solution to flooding issues, and reduction of nutrients into the Bay. An end to worry about a dense development with its inherent traffic, dust, noise, and health concerns. Isn’t it worth your time? Contact your commissioners at: commissioners@scgov.net

TIME TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY
Our annual membership drive is beginning. Dues are only $75 a year! It’s an investment in our community. Some of our neighbors and Board members will be knocking on doors with an updated flyer and a request for email addresses to better inform our residents. You may give the information to them or add it here to keep updated. Please join us for a stronger, united community. A copy of our flyer and an example of a letter to the Commissioners can be seen below. Stay tuned for more information.

CONTACT THE SARASOTA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
Let them know that you support the wise decision by the County to purchase the former Gulf Gate golf course. That this is an opportunity to flood proof our community and improve water quality to prevent red tide in the Gulf and Bay.
Do not underestimate the importance of your voice as a citizen of Sarasota County. Please be an advocate for your community.