Sarasota News Leader

04/25/2014

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RESPONSES FROM COMMISSIONERS As is customary, none of the commission- ers commented on the remarks. However, on April 10, Yochim posted on the alliances' Facebook page the following responses from county board members to a letter she had sent them, pleading for modification of the new regulations. Chairman Charles Hines wrote on April 7, "I have seen you perform many times and loved it," noting that she probably had performed in Manatee and Charlotte counties as well as Sarasota County and asking whether she was familiar with those local governments' sound regulations. Hines concluded, "We reduced the ordinance to a level that is similar to those [of] other Counties. Thanks for your input as this is a very difficult issue to try to find a reasonable balance." The same day, Carolyn Mason responded, "Please know that this was not an arbitrary decision, and that in coming to the decision we arrived at, I took a lot of things into con- sideration, including information from our staff as well as from neighbors. Additionally, for me, finding a balance between what works for the business as well as the neighbors was and remains paramount. It isn't easy or popu- lar some times, but necessary." Vice Chairwoman Robinson wrote on April 9, "Our ordinance has been made consis- tent with all other counties in our region. We found this was necessary due to the abuse of homeowners near certain venues. I believe this change will help us co-exist." Late on the night of April 22, Yochim posted a thank-you note to all the supporters of Live Music Alliance who were in the audience for the meeting: "[I'd] say we kicked some a** today! .... nothin I love more than a good scrap! nice job people!" She also noted that a new noise ordinance on which city staff is working soon will be com- ing up on a City Commission agenda. Although City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo held meetings in 2013 to try to resolve issues over live music in downtown Sarasota, the city board has yet to address a new ordinance. A discussion was scheduled for the City Commission's Feb. 18 agenda, but Mayor Shannon Snyder announced that night that the matter would be deferred to a future meeting. % Twinkle Yochim. Image from her website Sarasota News Leader April 25, 2014 Page 40

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