SCANNING Sarasota PLANNING

S everal governors have significantly influenced Florida state planning, with legacies often defined by either strengthening or rolling back growth management systems. Bob Graham (1979–1987):  Widely regarded as Florida’s most influential "planning governor," his administration established the modern framework for managing the state's rapid population growth. Growth Management Act (1985):  This landmark legislation required every county and municipality to adopt a local comprehensive plan consistent with state and regional goals. Infrastructure Concurrency:  He introduced the principle that roads, sewers, and other infrastructure must be planned and funded concurrently with new development. Agency Creation:  His tenure saw the creation of the  Department of Community Affairs (DCA) , which served as the state's lead planning agency. Reubin Askew (1971–1979):  He is credited with initiating Florida’s comprehensive approach to growth management through the 19...

A new spirit is enlivening the land-use planning processes in our area, as  this Craig Pittman article makes clear .  Pittman looks at a radical shift in the approach to planning in Manatee County -- a similar awareness is present in Sarasota. The developers do not run the show as they once did. At the same time, there is increased pressure on our conservation lands and open space. What programs and efforts are working to preserve environmental lands, habitat, floodplains and open space at the state, county and local levels and how effective are they? SCAN's next meeting is Wednesday, August 27 at Jacaranda Library. We'll start at 5:30 pm -- f you have an issue you wish to talk about, this is the time to talk about it. Beginning at 6 pm, four speakers will share their perspectives on land uses. Each approaches land from a different angle: Charles Hines Charles Hines - a former Sarasota Commissioner - will talk about his work with the Trust for Public Land, involving the ...