SCANNING Sarasota PLANNING

1. When did Sarasota County establish the Stormwater Environmental Utility (SEU) ?   Answer: 1989      Back up : The SEU assessments increased dramatically, typically doubling to tripling between 2021 and 2022 (see below): 2. Question : Is there a simple explanation as to why people’s annual stormwater assessments doubled or tripled between 2021 and 2022? What is it in terms of added level of service since 1989 that was presumably needed to justify the significant assessment increase in 2022? In other words, what is it that the County’s stormwater customers can expect to see or expect for the addition assessment expense. Back up : It is my understanding that the SEU is an Enterprise Fund which means that the revenue it collects can only be used for managing stormwater. It is also my understanding that SEU funds are currently directed to two Departments under Public Works, namely Stormwater and Field Operations. 3. Question : Are my understandings correct? Do you kn...

The recent flood presentation by Steve Suau at Selby Library drew an overflow crowd. It has also generated media coverage.  Suau said he's still gathering data and should finalize his report and recommendations in early November, but what he had to say got a lot of attention.  So far, we have the stories published below. Ramon Lopez at WSLR News : Sarasota hydrologist has an idea. And what to do next. ======== Kerry Sheridan at WUSF / NPR: A YouTube video reveals a dike breach during Debby that caused mysterious Sarasota flooding :                                                                      ======= = Carrie Seidman at the Herald Tribune: Opinion: We know why Sarasota flooded during recent storms. How will we handle future ones?                 ...