Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/144898
Sarasota News Leader July 19, 2013 Page 32 ville site is compatible with the surrounding church properties to the north and east of the site. To the west, the property is bordered by land zoned as a major employment center (MEC), but county staff determined there is sufficient landscaping and space between the properties. CENTERED AROUND A DRILL FIELD The two single-story classroom buildings, administrative building/library and gym will all line a 200-foot long drill field, according to the plans submitted to the county. "All students will be learning drill techniques," Kennedy said. Plans also call for a 360-foot by 150-foot lighted lacrosse and soccer field. Sarasota Military Academy is located at 801 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota. Image from Google Maps Both the middle school and high school teams will use the field. Currently, those Sarasota unprepared in certain areas," Kennedy pointMilitary Academy teams must play at alternat- ed out. ing parks because there is not enough space The middle school would offer a "rigorous" for a field at the Orange Avenue location. academic curriculum, with electives mod"We need a home field," Kennedy said. eled after some of the classes offered at the There will be a total of 43,000 to 45,000 square high school, including horsemanship, fencing, feet in the structure on the new site, Sterling martial arts, drum line and forensics, Kennedy said. told the county planning staff. The main impetus for a middle school comes down to preparation for the high school — where students participate in a vigorous curriculum that Kennedy describes as "not the easiest way to spend four years" and Army JROTC training. Teachers will alternate between the high school and middle school so they know what is required of middle school students preparing for the high school, Kennedy added. Sarasota Military Academy has been trying to meet demand for growth. A renovated main "I have found through experience that middle campus will be opening in September, Kenschool [graduates] often come to high school nedy said. %