Relaunching CONA to Empower Residents

 

 

CONA

Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations

October 2025 Community Newsletter

CONA Relaunches with New Leadership

and Renewed Commitment to Civic Engagement

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) is proud to announce a new chapter in our long history of neighborhood advocacy and civic involvement.


Since 1961, CONA has served as a unifying voice for homeowner, condominium, and civic associations across Sarasota County. Today, we’re renewing that legacy with new leadership and a fresh focus on empowering residents to engage constructively in local government.


New Leadership


Following the retirement of longtime president Kafi Benz, we have a new Board of Directors representing neighborhoods throughout Sarasota County:


President: Lourdes Ramirez, affiliated with Protect Siesta Key


Vice President: Melanie Goddard, affiliated with Marquee en Ville Condominium Association


Treasurer: Ron Kashden, affiliated with Laurel Park Neighborhood Association


Secretary: Mary Butler, affiliated with Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association


Director: Susan Schoettle, affiliated with the Keep the Country organization


Director: Gary Nieskes, affiliated with South County Alliance


“CONA’s mission has always been about empowering residents through knowledge and collaboration,” said Lourdes Ramirez, CONA President. “As Sarasota County continues to grow and evolve, we’re focused on helping neighbors understand how their government works — and how their participation can make a real difference."

CONA’s 2026 Civic Priorities


1. Informational Forums & Public Education

• Educational programs on how Sarasota County’s planning, financial, and development processes work.

• Nonpartisan community forums introducing local candidates and explaining ballot referendums.


2. Neighborhood Collaboration & Communication

• Building stronger networks with homeowner, condominium, and civic associations.

• Expanding digital communication to keep members informed about county actions, hearings, and community meetings.


3. Encouraging Constructive Civic Participation

• Promoting respectful dialogue between residents and public officials.

• Encouraging greater participation in advisory boards and public hearings.

Join CONA!


Whether you represent a neighborhood association or simply care about Sarasota County’s future, now is the perfect time to get involved.


Together, we can strengthen Sarasota County’s tradition of informed, engaged, and connected neighborhoods.


Learn more and join today: www.conasarasota.org


Contact us: Cona.Sarasota941@gmail.com

Join CONA
 

Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations - CONA | P O Box 15663 | Sarasota, FL 34277 US

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