Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/235968
Sarasota News Leader January 3, 2014 the county commissioners vote 5-0 to request the county attorney to provide a legal opinion to them within 60 days on the proposed ordinance regulating the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail stores. That opinion will likely prove pivotal in whether the board offers the ordinance for a public hearing. The draft version under review would prohibit the sale of the pets in retail stores, of which there are four in Sarasota County. Under the ordinance, animals could only be obtained only from an animal shelter, an animal control agency, a humane society or directly from a breeder. On a 4-1 vote — with County Commissioner Joe Barbetta in the minority — the County Commission agrees to send a letter to the North Port Commission saying the latter Page 122 should proceed with a competitive solicitation process to seek a long-term operator of Warm Mineral Springs. Additionally, the County Commission agrees to North Port's proposal to work on a short-term management agreement for the resort — with the stipulation that it would end by Sept. 1, 2014. The motion further calls for North Port City Manager Jonathan Lewis and Interim County Administrator Tom Harmer to collaborate on marketing the competitive solicitation for the Springs. The state of Florida wanted to make sure that if its investment in the rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park doesn't pan out, Sarasota County would pay it back. The county wanted no such thing. But the Board of County The County Commission Chambers in Venice are nearly full as the board discusses a proposed puppy mill ordinance in early December. Photo by Roger Drouin