Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/102968
TOO INTENSE The Sarasota County Commission unanimously denies two requests for variances to construct homes on Siesta Key lots that have been underwater in years past — Rachel Brown Hackney It took almost exactly two-and-a-half hours of presentations, public comments and rebuttals, but the Sarasota County Commission on Jan. 9 unanimously denied petitions by a couple seeking to build two three-story homes on Siesta Key lots that have been underwater at various times. Commissioner Nora Patterson, who lives on the barrier island, made the motion in each case. The action followed advice from County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh that the commission should not continue the public hearing in the wake of a suggestion made late in the discussion by the petitioners' attorney, William W. Merrill III, that the construction plans could be modified to appease one set of adjacent homeowners. "This is not in a position that lends itself to continuance," DeMarsh told the commissioners. (Full story here) NO OTHER TAKERS Hines is the sole county commissioner to indicate an interest in a new policy regarding removal of advisory board members for cause — Rachel Brown Hackney With Robert Waechter having resigned on Jan. 6 from the Sarasota County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and the Tourist Development Council (TDC), no other Sarasota County commissioner joined Commissioner Charles Hines this week in voicing interest in a new policy regarding removal of advisory board members for cause. Hines raised the issue during the Commission Reports part of the regular meeting on Jan. 8 without mentioning Waechter by name. Hines said he had received queries from several constituents about Waechter's continued service on the two advisory boards after Waechter was charged Dec. 14 with a third-degree felony. According to a Sarasota County Sheriff's Office report, Waechter allegedly used personal identity information to purchase a prepaid VISA card in the name of Lourdes Ramirez, president of the Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations, to make campaign contributions to Democratic candidates Keith Fitzgerald and Liz Alpert in the 2012 campaign. (Full story here) Click Any Headline To Go Directly To That Article AT A GLANCE TOP STORIES