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But with the tax collector scheduled to take over driving test responsibilities next June, there is no way the new location will be ready. In the meantime, Klaber says, the tax collector has discussed the possibility of temporarily taking over the Pompano Avenue facility, a proposal to which she says the state is amenable. In addition to all those tax collector improve- ments, the commission also approved a plan to take advantage of the R.L. Anderson ren- ovations by building new courtrooms there and eventually moving the tax collector's, property appraiser's and supervisor of elec- tions' staffs out altogether. That investment comes after years of com- plaints from South County lawyers who say the court system's current physical lay- out limits access to the justice system for those in North Port or Englewood or other points southward. It can take an hour and a half for someone in South County to come downtown for a five-minute hearing, County Commissioner Christine Robinson pointed out to the News Leader last summer. Gable told the commissioners the expansion of courtrooms at R. L. Anderson — expected to cost $3.8 million — could serve the county well for 15 to 20 years. Robinson called the plan a "big, big deal" and an opportunity to upgrade security at the site, which she said is lacking. "It's a step in the right direction for our future," she added. Commissioner Joe Barbetta also praised the plan, urging staff to go at it full-speed. "Do these projects as quickly as possible," he said. "This is key infrastructure." % Manuel R. Chepote, LUTCF Chepote Insurance Inc. 1300 Main Street • Sarasota, Florida (941) 366-0100 Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties agents.allstate.com/manuel-r-chepote-sarasota-fl.html Click for driving directions Auto • Home • Life Renters • Motorcycles Flood • Business • Annuities Financial Services Sarasota News Leader May 23, 2014 Page 38