Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/144898
SMA PLANS MIDDLE SCHOOL According to county planning staff, a proposed charter middle school at the 8351 Fruitville site is compatible with surrounding properties. Image courtesy Sarasota County THE ACADEMY IS SEEKING A REZONING FOR A 10.5-ACRE PORTION OF PROPERTY ON FRUITVILLE ROAD TO CONSTRUCT 35 TO 40 CLASSROOMS AND A LIGHTED ATHLETIC FIELD By Roger Drouin County Editor Since Dan Kennedy opened Sarasota Military middle school facility and within the Sarasota Academy 12 years ago, he has wanted to build Military Academy's budget. a new middle school to prepare students for "I have been all over the county looking for the charter high school. sites," Kennedy said "I could never make the There was not enough numbers work." room at the academy's main campus on I have found through experience Then earlier this year, Orange Avenue in the that middle school [graduates] often Kennedy discovered a Rosemary District come to high school unprepared in 12-acre parcel east of Interstate 75. On July downtown. Therefore, certain areas. 17, Sarasota Military over the years, KenDan Kennedy Academy's board of nedy had been lookHeadmaster and Co-Founder directors unanimously Sarasota Military Academy ing for a piece of land voted to move forward large enough for the