Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/135276
ANOTHER ROWING BID CHECKMARK County Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Carolyn Mason present the top trophy to Sarasota Crew at the conclusion of a rowing regatta at Benderson Park in 2012. Photo by Norman Schimmel AFTER RECEIVING ASSURANCES THAT THE ACTION WOULD NOT HINDER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, THE COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES A LETTER GUARANTEEING IT WILL HELP COVER ANY WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS COST OVERRUNS By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor To mix sports metaphors: It was not a slam dunk, but the Sarasota County Commission did finally vote unanimously on June 4 to approve a funding guarantee letter required as part of the effort to land the 2017 World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. The letter says simply that the county "will support the organization of the [championships] up to the level of $2,782,000." Assistant County Administrator Lee Ann Lowery pointed out that the Manatee County Commission unanimously approved the same type of letter at its meeting earlier in the day. What the letters mean is that Sarasota County and Manatee County together guarantee that if the region lands the 2017 World Rowing Isn't that going to be a problem in Championships bid, getting sponsors? the county governments will cover any cost overNora Patterson Commissioner runs up to the specified Sarasota County monetary level.