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Sarasota News Leader December 13, 2013 Page 31 be aware ahead of time if there might be any And we should have had it a while ago, as far similar stipulations attached to future cash. as I'm concerned." While the board eventually voted unanimously to approve the deal with the state, the commission specifically delayed executing a contract with Benderson, at least until the county has hammered out an operating agreement with Suncoast Aquatics Nature Center Associates and been presented with a long-term business plan for the property. Commissioner Christine Robinson pushed the issue aggressively, saying she was inclined to vote against the deal altogether till the operating agreement and business plan were in hand. Hines specifically pressed Suncoast Aquatics Chairman Paul Blackketter, who is also executive director for planning with Benderson Development, why the organization has yet to finalize a long-range plan for the park. Blackketter's frustration mounted as he defended the nonprofit, saying the plan has evolved dramatically as the group has hosted different events and visited other rowing sites. "We've been working our butts off to make this succeed," he pointed out, appearing flustered. "We're putting our necks out on That didn't sit well with Patterson, who said the line." she would only vote for the $5 million deal But the county is, too, Barbetta said. If the projwith the state if it were unanimous. "We're ect doesn't have the impact the state is looking either going to stick it out together or not," for, Sarasota taxpayers will be on the hook. she added, "but if at least one of us feels like we ought to have the contract and the busi- There are two major sticking points in the ness plan prior to it, that's not unreasonable. negotiations between Suncoast Aquatics and Teams compete at Benderson Park during a regatta in April. Photo by Norman Schimmel