Citizens Role in Protecting Natural Sarasota

CONA

Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations

March 10 Meeting

Citizen’s Role in Protecting Natural Sarasota

As Sarasota faces growing concerns about overdevelopment, shrinking green space, and the paving of vital wetlands, the role of everyday citizens has never been more important. Protecting our natural environment is not just the responsibility of planners and officials—it belongs to all of us. We can stay informed, attend public meetings, support conservation efforts, and most importantly, make our voices heard at the ballot box this November. By voting thoughtfully in the upcoming referendum and advocating for responsible growth, we help safeguard our water, wildlife, and quality of life. The future of Sarasota’s natural beauty depends on community action today. Join us at the next CONA meeting to discuss this important topic.

Tuesday, March 10

6 – 7:30 PM

Gulf Gate Library, Room A

7112 Curtiss Avenue

Featured Speaker

Jono Miller

Jono Miller has been a leading environmental educator, advocate, volunteer, and consultant in Sarasota for more than 50 years. A graduate of New College with a degree in Environmental Studies, he later directed the college’s Environmental Studies Program for many years. He also holds a master’s degree in Florida Studies from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

Throughout his career, Jono has combined scholarship with grassroots action. He has written a book on Florida’s iconic cabbage palm, helped lead the effort to legalize backyard chickens in Sarasota County, and has served on the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council for four decades — including terms as Chair.

He has also been elected Chair of the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Council and the County Environmental Policy Task Force. And In recognition of his regional leadership, he received the 1000 Friends of Florida Bill Sadowski Award for public service in 2006.

Best known for his tireless work to protect Sarasota’s natural lands and waterways, Jono will review what has been accomplished, what challenges remain, and what citizens can do ahead of the important vote coming up in November.

CONA March Meeting Recap:

Local Control and the Live Local Act

At last month’s CONA meeting, Longboat Key Commissioner BJ Bishop and local attorney Susan Schoettle (with input from County Commissioner Joe Neunder) discussed growing concerns over the various property tax proposals and increasing state preemption of local governments, including changes to the Live Local Act.

A key issue is keeping local tax dollars in our community — ensuring the funds generated here are spent here. Shifting control to Tallahassee means decisions about our tax dollars could be made by lawmakers who may not understand the unique needs of coastal communities. Local control preserves transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to residents. The property tax issue is expected to appear on the November ballot, making informed and thoughtful voting essential.

Susan Schoettle explained that recent expansions to the Live Local Act may allow developers to seek additional height and density not only in commercial and industrial areas, but potentially in residential areas as well. She is working with others to pursue legislative fixes to prevent misuse and protect established neighborhoods.

Pencil in the Date

Tuesday, April 14

6 – 7:30 PM

Gulf Gate Library, Room A

7112 Curtiss Avenue

Speaker: Susan Schoettle, PLLC

Topic: Make Your Voice Count: Navigating the Planning Process

If you’ve ever attended a public hearing and felt unsure what to say or how to frame your concerns in a way that truly matters, this meeting is for you. You will leave better informed, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for your neighborhood.

This is a critical step in CONA’s mission to help neighborhoods navigate a complex system and ensure community voices are heard. We strongly encourage neighborhood leaders—and anyone concerned about growth and development—to attend.