SCANNING Sarasota PLANNING

Read and weep - Dan Lobeck describes the unethical destruction of planning rules that had been controlling growth for some time in Sarasota - Here's one telling example: Deletes the current prohibition of development in a 100 year floodplain which would adversely affect the function of the floodplains and degrade water body quality, by allowing that development so long as it is “mitigated”, a very loose and weak standard.  [Policy 1.2.4(B)] Here's another: Deletes the policy which states, “Establish a system to measure new developments and determine whether the developments employ smart growth principles to help promote a sustainable community.” (Former Policy 4.1.2, was previously proposed a Policy 3.2.6 but is now proposed to be deleted) https://citizensforsarasota.blogspot.com/2016/10/sarasota-at-risk-lobeck-on-final-oct.html#more #planning #weaknesses #dumbingdown #developercontrol

Two founders of SCAN - Sarasota Citizen Action Network - have been invited to speak to a gathering of  Suncoast Environmental Leaders on September 21.  Organized by WSLR-Fogartyville, Generating Earth Connections, and the Unitarian Universalist Environmental Justice Committee, the annual event honors the work of   more than 120 Gulf Coast organizations that strive to preserve and protect our living ecosystems.     Susan Schoettle and Tom Matrullo will share some of what they've learned from our group's past year of meetings with neighborhoods around the county. Those who have participated in SCAN's presentations, conversations, and sharing of experiences are invited to enjoy a vegetarian breakfast with a variety of environmentalists.  All are welcome, but please RSVP to Mary Anne Bowie at  BowieFAICP@gmail.com . Schoettle and Matrullo both spoke at the 8.27 County Commission meeting which began with several accounts of the flooding of entire neighborhoods by Hurricane Debby

  For Immediate Release Mary Anne Bowie, Environmental Justice, Unitarian Universalists Sarasota 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, Fl 34232 BowieFAICP@gmail.com   941-321-0424                                                 SUNCOAST ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS THANK-YOU BRUNCH SEPTEMBER 21  WSLR-Fogartyville, Generating Earth Connections , and the Unitarian Universalist Environmental Justice Committee (Green Team) of Sarasota Florida are bringing together Suncoast environmental area organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. Some of the organizations have been active for more than 50 years; some are brand new. Organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee Counties are at the core of those invited. Invitees include a few organizations from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Lee County. The event is open to all who are interested in making a difference in our environment. The Suncoast Environmental Leaders thank-you brunch and program will begin at 9 a.m. and be o