Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/264109
wall, which is characteristic of a low-lying wall on a water body such as Big Pass." The Gulf of Mexico had overtopped that wall frequently enough in the past to create that condition, he added. "For 24 years, you guys haven't entered this property or done anything to this property?" Commissioner Joe Barbetta asked, referring to comments Kennedy had made. "Parks and Recreation has not," Tatge responded. Nor has any other county representative, Barbetta pointed out. Referring to the staff report, he called Tatge's position "a little con- fusing … [and] disingenuous." Tatge said he did not dispute the opinion of the Office of the County Attorney; instead, he was looking to the future. Hines clarified with Kennedy that because the right of way does not have direct water access, the board would not be violating the comprehensive plan if it vacated the property. Nonetheless, prior to the 4-1 vote, Patterson told her colleagues, "It just seems wrong to me that we should give away that right of way when at some future date the county actually might want to condemn a walking easement, which would be a very short path to get to the water." In response to a question from Robinson, County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh explained that at some point in the future the county could exercise the right of eminent domain to create such a public access, if it could "show a public purpose for its decision to acquire and then to pay [for the land]." % • Gene Burgess and Melonie Burgess, licensed acupuncture physicians • Serving Sarasota since 2008 • Treatment rates are on a sliding scale, from $15-$35; new patients pay a one-time additional fee of $10 AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE FOR EVERYONE 3615 Webber St • Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 922-4611 SarasotaCommunityAcupuncture.com Open Tuesday through Saturday Our Mission To provide our community with high quality and affordable acupuncture and herbal medicine and to create a treatment space that connects people and builds community. Click for larger map and driving directions Click To Schedule An Appointment Online MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE $5 OFF THE NEW PATIENT FEE Sarasota News Leader February 21, 2014 Page 61