SCAN meets to discuss our dwindling open spaces - and two more events

SCAN Meeting on Aug. 27, 2025  5:30pm at Jacaranda Library. Large Meeting Room

What can we do to preserve our dwindling open space and environmental habitat in Sarasota County now and in the future?



Development is putting growing pressure on remaining undeveloped lands in Sarasota County - whether it's conservation land, open space, environmental habitat, preserves protected by covenants or recorded restrictions, golf courses, or other land that contributes to the green space and habitat in the County. 

Most of the "easy" to develop land east of the Urban Service Boundary is already committed to approved Village development. The 2050 Plan's promises of increased true open space (not land used for stormwater ponds or utility/infrastructure) and connectivity of greenways/wildlife corridors have not been achieved. Action is needed to thwart the Browardization of our Sarasota County.

As development pressure increases, every remaining acre of land becomes more valuable to the public. What options are there for conserving lands, how can residents be involved in protecting and preserving these lands, and how permanent are those protections?

Speakers at the Aug. 27th SCAN meeting will discuss current land conservation programs from the State level down to your subdivision. 

Speakers include: Charles Hines, Trust for Public Lands; Brooke Langston with Big Waters Land Trust (previously Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast); Jono Miller, local environmental activist and involved in Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program; and Barbara Lockhart, Environmental Conservancy of North Port and Surrounding Areas.

Discussion of current issues/threats begin at 5:30pm, Guest Speaker Presentations begin at 6:00pm.


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Two more events of interest:

This Wednesday, August 27, The County Commission will select two new Planning Commissioners from this group of applicants.

And on Tuesday, September 2 Jono Miller will speak in North Port about Wellen Park Village H - how might it impact the Myakka River?





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