Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/235968
Sarasota News Leader January 3, 2014 County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue has surpassed $13 million for the first time in a fiscal year, according to the annual report prepared by the Sarasota County Tax Collector's Office. TDT revenue totaled $13,923,125 for the 2012 fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, the report says. The figure was a 21 percent increase over the FY 2011 amount, though the tax rate did increase from 4.5 percent to 5 percent on May 1, 2011, the report notes. With that hike factored out, the amount still was up 13 percent, the report says. Additionally, collections were higher for every month compared to the previous fiscal year's totals except for April 2012, when the revenue was virtually flat compared to the April 2011 figure. For the fourth year in a row, Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates tells the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council (TDC) on May 16, condos generated Page 50 more TDT revenue than hotels and motels combined. Condos accounted for 46.72 percent of the funds, while hotel and motel room rentals brought in 43.5 percent. The City of Sarasota's two at-large commissioners, Suzanne Atwell and Susan Chapman, are sworn into office on May 17 during a statutory City Commission meeting. They were the winners of the May 14 runoff with a third candidate, Richard Dorfman. Following the ceremony, District 3 Commissioner Shannon Snyder is selected by the City Commission to serve as mayor for the next year. Chapman nominated Vice Mayor Willie Shaw for the position. Then Commissioner Paul Caragiulo nominates Snyder. Atwell votes for Snyder. Shaw is chosen to serve again as vice mayor. Newly elected City Commissioners Suzanne Atwell (left) and Susan Chapman take the oath of office administered by City Auditor and Clerk Pam Nadalini. Photo by Norman Schimmel