2017 Sarasota County Annual Report

A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT Encourage Economic Growth

Provide Excellent Service

Promote Quality of Life

Maintain and Enhance Existing Infrastructure

$ Ensure Fiscal Sustainability

Plan for Positive Development and Redevelopment

Be Environmental Stewards

Cultivate an Innovative Organization

Strategic planning for the future Sarasota County’s strategic planning model is comprised of three main components.

Our PRINCIPLES are the lens we look through when creating strategy for the future. They provide leadership and accountability to carry out our goals and objectives and achieve results.

Our PEOPLE are at the heart of what makes the model work. Sarasota County is dedicated to creating a culture that is built on being responsive, offering solutions, actively communicating and thinking as a team.

The PLANNING CYCLE reinforces our strategic approach throughout the year. Leveraging the budget cycle reinforces strategic planning activities at the enterprise level. To complement these organizational efforts, county departments support strategic planning efforts monthly and quarterly through data tracking and reporting to highlight accomplishments.

9 4 1 - 98 26 1 - 5 0 0 0

Simplicity is at the core of our strategic thinking. We are focused on being succinct and clear in our approaches while encouraging incremental innovation that can stand the test of time. Our planning efforts are designed to be practical while providing meaning to the organization, the Sarasota County Commission and the community.

lan for Positive Development and Redevelopment • PCreate an environment that supports ideal growth.

In 2014, Sarasota County used this strategic planning process to develop the following eight goals. These goals have enabled the county to set priorities and demonstrate progress.

e Environmental Stewards • BEstablish a sustainable environmental standard for

romote Quality of Life • PEnsure a premier standard of quality of life for all Sarasota County residents and visitors.

Sarasota County.

•

aintain and Enhance Existing Infrastructure • MInvest in infrastructure that is the foundation for the

•

ultivate an Innovative Organization • CProgressively plan for the future by promoting

Encourage Economic Growth Develop long-term strategies that grow the economic viability of Sarasota County.

Ensure Fiscal Sustainability Proactively address financial challenges to ensure a healthy business model.

rovide Excellent Service • PFocus on providing quality, accurate and timely service.

future and supports all strategic goals.

a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION

The Sarasota County 2017 Annual Report A letter from the County Administrator I’m happy to present the 2017 Sarasota County Annual Report, which highlights our most important projects, programs and initiatives. This year’s report begins with an overview of the Sarasota County budget and how your tax dollars are spent. It then provides a literal timeline of our accomplishments and the numerous ways we served citizens over the past year.

In fiscal year 2017, the county’s overall expenses decreased by 2 percent, and we are projecting a 2.7 percent increase in operating expenses. We will continue to revisit the budget to determine how we can curb expenditures to balance the budget in coming years.

In FY17, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed Sarasota County’s Aaa issuer rating and its outstanding limited ad valorem tax bond rating of AAA. The county once again earned the National Procurement Institute’s Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award, and we launched a new mobile-friendly website to better educate and serve our constituents online.

Also, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity conditionally approved $20 million in funding for the new Atlanta Braves spring training complex in North Port.

In addition to preparing for, staffing a full activation of, and recovering from Hurricane Irma, we adopted a budget for fiscal year 2018 and successfully hosted the 2017 World Rowing Championships. All of this is a direct result

of supportive leadership and a commitment to serving the community.

A new chapter of leadership

Our annual Citizen Opinion Survey continued to show higher levels of trust in Sarasota County Government leaders than in federal or state leaders to do the right thing for residents.

The proportion of respondents who rated their quality of life in the county as excellent or good remained at 97 percent, and results for being treated with respect, being given correct information, and receiving help in a timely manner were the highest in survey history.

In July, I accepted an offer to become the manager for the Town of Longboat Key, so this will be my final opportunity to share information about your local government and how proud I am of the culture of customer service that our county commission and employees have built together.

Assistant County Administrator Jonathan Lewis has been named Interim County Administrator. Lewis is the former North Port City Manager, and I leave confident that new leadership will help deliver the same level of excellent customer service that our citizens have come to expect from their local government.

1 I am honored and humbled to have been selected by the county commissioners as Interim County Administrator. I am excited about the opportunity to lead this organization and to continue serving my community, and citizens can expect the same excellent customer service from our organization they experienced under Mr. Harmer’s leadership.

I hope you enjoy looking back on 2017. It has been an honor to serve Sarasota County and our citizens these past five years.

Jonathan R. Lewis Interim County Administrator Thomas A. Harmer County Administrator August 2012-December 2017

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

The 2017 Sarasota County Commission 1 2

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Sarasota County Commission Districts

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Left to right: Michael A. Moran, Nancy C. Detert, Alan Maio, Paul Caragiulo and Charles D. Hines.

Your local government representatives Paul Caragiulo District 2, Chair

Alan Maio District 4

Nancy C. Detert District 3, Vice Chair

Charles D. Hines District 5

Michael A. Moran District 1

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A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION

VISION

To be the premier community where people choose to live, work and play.

MISSION

INTEGRITY WE adhere to ethical principles, demonstrating mutual respect and conducting ourselves with honesty and sincerity.

The mission of Sarasota County Government is to be the most livable and best managed community in the country, providing quality services, programs and facilities that reflect the goals of the community.

QUALITY

VALUES

WE foster a collaborative environment that values creativity, sharing information and ideas, and working together to solve problems and accomplish goals.

As Sarasota County employees, WE are committed to demonstrating each one of these values at all times.

RESPECT WE demonstrate mutual respect through our professionalism, courtesy and appreciation for diversity.

WE take pride in providing quality public service with passion, innovation and excellence.

TEAMWORK

TRUST WE seek mutual purpose, honor commitments, and use our skills, knowledge and abilities in a way that builds confidence and loyalty.

ACCOUNTABILITY

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WE are individually and collectively responsible for our actions as stewards of the public’s trust.

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

How your government works Effective and responsible local self-government as prescribed by the constitution and laws of the state of Florida Left Thomas A. Harmer County Administrator

HOME RULE Sarasota County incorporated in 1921 and adopted a Home Rule Charter in 1971. It is one of only 20 charter counties in the state of Florida. Charters are formal written documents that define the powers, duties or privileges of the county. They resemble state or federal constitutions and must be approved, along with any amendments, by the voters of a county.

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SARASOTA COUNTY COMMISSION Five elected county commissioners serve as Sarasota County’s governing body. Commissioners are elected by voters countywide, but each commissioner must live in a specific district.

With the exception of emergency ordinances, commissioners adopt new ordinances (laws) by affirmative vote of members, although some Comprehensive Plan Amendments require a supermajority or unanimous vote.

Commissioners are elected at-large for up to two four-year terms. They appoint a chair and a vice chair, who each serve one calendar year. The chair presides at all meetings of the commission and is recognized as the head of the county for all ceremonial purposes.

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Right Stephen E. DeMarsh County Attorney

SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNTY ATTORNEY County commissioners appoint only two employees: the county administrator and the county attorney. The county administrator is the chief administrative officer for the county and is solely responsible for managing day-to-day operations, with the exception of operations in the Office of the County Attorney. The county attorney represents the commission in legal matters and serves as its legal counsel.

CHARTER REVIEW BOARD The Charter Review Board is responsible for reviewing recommended or requested changes to the county charter. The board is composed of 10 members (two from each commission district) who are elected by voters during each general election for four-year terms.

They serve without compensation and operate independently of the county commission.

CITIZEN ADVISORY COUNCILS The county has more than 30 appointed boards and citizen advisory councils. Members are appointed by the county commission and advise the commission on specific issues.

CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS Sarasota County also has five constitutional officers who are elected by the public for terms of four years: the Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. These elected officials operate independently of the county commission.

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Total employees 5 40 4 609 78 111 38 45 159

Commission Services Communications Economic Development Emergency Services Enterprise Information Technology General Services Health and Human Services Human Resources Libraries and Historical Resources

7 22 66 203 165 320 159 246 12

Office of County Administrator County Attorney Office of Financial Management Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Planning and Development Services Public Utilities Public Works Sarasota County Area Transit UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability

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2,288

Total full-time equivalent employees as of the FY17 adopted budget (not including constitutional officers). Totals may not equal the sum of components due to rounding.

9.78 years Average length of service.

www.scgov.net

$ 2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Your tax dollars at work Adopted financial budget

Governmental accounting rules and Florida statutes require local governments to follow a unique set of accounting principles and concepts.

By law, Sarasota County is required to separate restricted revenues from the general fund, which accounts for all assets and liabilities except those assigned for other purposes in more specialized funds. The general fund accounts for most departmental expenditures, including some costs of community services, development services, maintenance and engineering, public safety, criminal justice services, support services and debt.

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The charts on the following pages represent adopted budget figures for FY17 (Sarasota County’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30). Operating expenditures are the ongoing costs of providing services and maintaining and operating facilities and infrastructure. Capital expenditures include the purchase of land, construction of buildings, major improvements and construction of basic infrastructure (such as roads).

The utility system and services such as stormwater and solid waste (garbage collection) operate like distinct businesses within the county, and the revenues collected are restricted to those respective purposes.

Other restricted revenues include the tourist development tax, a 5 percent levy on short-term/hotel stays that must be used for tourism-related expenditures such as construction of tourist-related facilities, promotion/advertising and beach/ shoreline maintenance.

The 1 percent infrastructure surtax (a voterapproved countywide sales tax) is restricted to funding capital projects like building/ improving roads, parks, libraries or a jail.

Gas taxes are restricted to transportationrelated expenditures.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Major revenues in FY17

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Property taxes (countywide)

$162,385,517

Utility revenues*

$96,571,300

Infrastructure sales surtax

$34,534,941

Half-cent sales tax

$29,829,525

Tourist development tax

$19,300,000

Impact fees

$17,661,928

FPL franchise fee

$16,984,537

Gas taxes

$16,315,263

State revenue sharing

$9,762,534

Communications services tax

$9,617,896

Mobility fees**

$5,038,417

Total

$418,001,858

Data represents adopted budget figures for FY17.

*Water and wastewater monthly billings and miscellaneous charges; excludes assessments and capacity fees. **Mobility fees replaced road impact fees.

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FY17 (Unincorporated)

Sarasota County What your tax dollar supports

In 2006, Sarasota County Government implemented a policy to maintain two reserves in its general fund: a contingency/ emergency/disaster relief reserve, which includes 75 days of operating expenditures and was fully funded at the beginning of FY18; and a budget stabilization/economic uncertainty fund, which is being used as intended as the county continues to move beyond the recession.

SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD $0.324 School (State) $0.252 School (Local) $0.58 School Total

SARASOTA COUNTY $0.247 Sarasota County

(includes general operating

revenue for the Sheriff, Clerk of

the Circuit Court and County

Comptroller, Property Appraiser,

Supervisor of Elections, Tax

Collector, SCAT, Health and

Human Services, parks, libraries

and other services) $0.011 Sarasota County Debt $0.004 Mosquito Control $0.051 Sarasota County EMS $0.31 County Total

DISTRICTS $0.026 Southwest Florida

Water Management $0.003 West Coast Inland Navigation $0.082 Sarasota Memorial Hospital $0.11 District Total For illustrative purposes only. Does not include non-ad valorem assessments.

Totals include rounding.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$ Sarasota County millage rate (property tax)

$$$$$$ 7

5 4 3

3.39

3.39

3.39

3.39

3.39

3.34

3.34

3.34

0

3.34

1

3.34

2

FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17

Millage rate

58¢

31¢ 11¢

Sarasota County’s FY17 countywide millage rate of 3.3912 mills was the second lowest in Florida.

www.scgov.net

$ 2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Your tax dollars at work

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Total FY17 adopted operating expenditures (not including constitutional officers) Departments

Amount

% of Total

$352,347

0.1%

Communications

$4,165,707

0.6%

Economic Development

$6,182,787

1.0%

Emergency Services

$95,048,492

14.8%

Enterprise Information Technology

$21,350,704

3.3%

General Services

$42,823,658

6.7%

Health and Human Services

$24,822,485

3.9%

Human Resources

$67,182,580

10.4%

Libraries and Historical Resources

$13,393,541

2.1%

Office of County Administrator

$1,533,483

0.2%

Office of County Attorney

$3,758,824

0.6%

Office of Financial Management

$57,289,614

8.9%

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

$31,116,212

4.8%

Planning and Development Services

$32,272,522

5.0%

Public Utilities

$181,004,078

28.1%

Public Works

$31,532,236

4.9%

Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT)

$27,703,974

4.3%

$1,638,702

0.3%

$643,171,946

100.0%

Commission Services

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Sarasota County is funded primarily through these revenue sources.

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UF/IFAS Extension Services Total Expenditures

TAXES

· · · · ·

Ad valorem (property taxes) Infrastructure surtax Tourist development tax Communications services tax Various fuel taxes

PERMITS, FEES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

·· · · · · ·

Fire and rescue assessments Solid waste assessments Stormwater assessments Electric franchise fees Impact fees Building permits Mobility fees

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Planning and Development Services 0.1% Emergency Services General Services 0.6% 4.8%

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) adopted expenditures by category for FY17 CIP Category

Amount

Economic Development

$650,000

Emergency Communications

$658,179

Environmental Protection

$100,000

General Government

$5,484,000

Human Resources

$400,000

Information Technology

$450,000

Library

$350,000

Natural Resources

$3,132,377

Parks and Recreation

$8,317,159

Potable Water

Libraries and Historical Resources 0.3%

$25,090,000

Reuse Water

$1,300,000

Solid Waste

$1,480,000

Public Utilities 51.8%

Public Works Transportation 27.8%

Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) 3.3%

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Economic Development Stormwater

$255,000

Traffic Circulation

$31,886,957

Transit Services

$3,776,128

Wastewater Watershed Restoration Total

0.6%

$30,340,000

Human Resources 0.3%

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Enterprise Information Technology 10.0% 0.4%

$900,000 $114,569,800

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) adopted expenditures by department for FY17

INTERGOVERNMENTAL

· · · · · ·

Federal Transit Administration grants Court-related functions State revenue sharing Half-cent sales tax 9-1-1 communications fee Community Development Block Grant

· · · ·

CHARGES FOR SERVICES Utility system charges Solid waste system charges Ambulance charges Sarasota County Area Transit charges

www.scgov.net

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2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

01-17-17 The Atlanta Braves announce that Sarasota County is the destination for the team’s new spring training complex.

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January

JANUARY  JANUARY  JANUARY  JANUARY  JANUA

01-06-17 County launches its ChargeUp! electric vehicle charging program.

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Second Quarter County completes renovations to Turtle Beach that include additional parking, a new kayak launch, replacement of the playground, construction of a pavilion near the boat ramps, and removal of non-native vegetation.

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01-26-17 Sarasota County breaks ground on new Mid-County Tax Collector Office.

ARY  JANUARY  JANUARY  JANUARY  JANUARY 

Second Quarter Dona Bay Watershed Restoration Program awarded Project of the Year by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

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01-30-17 New Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) transfer station opens at The Mall at University Town Center and Nathan Benderson Park.

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

02-16-17

02-07-17 IFF’S OFF ER IC SH SARASOTA

Sarasota County named to bestworkplaces.org 2017 list of Best Workplaces for Commuters.

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County approves purchase contract for property on Cattleridge Boulevard that will be home of the future Sheriff’s Office Administration Center and Fleet Facility.

February

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02-10-17

U.S. News & World Report ranks Sarasota No. 21 on its list of Best Places to Live.

FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY  F

02-08-17 Keep Sarasota County Beautiful earns the Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award.

02-15-17 Sarasota County launches Neighborhood Challenge 2017.

02-17-17 Moody’s Investor Services upgrades Sarasota County’s limited ad valorem tax bond rating from A3 to Aaa.

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02-22-17 TripAdvisor ranks Siesta Beach No. 1 in the country and No. 5 in the world.

FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY  FEBRUARY 

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02-24-17 County completes sidewalk construction and LED street lighting along the south side of Richardson Road and 17th Street.

02-28-17 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) launches the open-air circulator Siesta Key Breeze. www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Second Quarter County completes 22 public access improvements through the mid-year on county preserve lands.

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Second Quarter

March Conducted 62,534 building inspections through the end of Q2 (up 13.4% over FY16).

MARCH  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH

03-16-17 Second Quarter 763 single-family permits issued through Q2 (up 21.4% over FY16).

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For the fourth consecutive year, Sarasota County is recognized by the Florida Department of Health as a Healthy Weight Community Champion.

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03-13-17 Association of Equipment Management Professionals recognizes Fleet Technician Mark Thursby as a national runner-up for Technician of the Year.

03-24-17 County completes Phase 1 of the Dona Bay Watershed Restoration Program.

H  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH  MARCH 

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03-29-17 Funding secured for construction of the South County Courthouse, Venice Library and a portion of The Legacy Trail extension.

Second Quarter Improvements completed to 77 miles of roads within the Vamo Road area.

Second Quarter County completes sidewalks along the south side of 17th Street, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to the intersection of 17th Street and Honore Avenue. www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

04-14-17 North Port Library selected to feature the WEDU PBS Phyllis L. Ensign Library Corner.

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April

APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRI 04-03-17 Sarasota County reaches agreement with online lodging and hospitality company Airbnb for the collection of tourist development tax for short-term rentals.

Third Quarter Dona Bay Watershed Restoration Program awarded Project of the Year by the Florida Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

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04-26-17 Sarasota County earns its 27th consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.

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04-29-17 04-25-17

103 citizen scientists volunteer for the third annual Seagrass Survey.

Approved new agreement that allows the county to schedule athletic programming at specified facilities owned by the school board.

Third Quarter Completed the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2 Expansion, which will increase treatment capacity from 9 million gallons per day to 12 million gallons per day.

IL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL  APRIL 

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04-25-17 Keep Sarasota County Beautiful receives Cigarette Litter Prevention Program grant.

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2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

05-03-17

Sarasota County bus operator David Frayer named Paratransit Van Driving Rookie of the Year at the 2017 Annual Florida Triple Crown Bus Roadeo.

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05-22-17 Emergency Services receives Gold Plus Mission Lifeline Award from the American Heart Association.

May

Third Quarter Venice Architectural Review Board approves building design for a new library in Venice.

05-26-17 “Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman names Siesta Beach No. 1 for second time in seven years.

MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY 

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05-26-17 County approves new methodology for fire assessments.

05-26-17 2016 Comprehensive Plan wins 2017 Award of Merit from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association.

05-31-17 County marks completion of Turtle Beach renovations with a community celebration.

MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY  MAY 

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www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

06-09-17 County joins 31 other communities, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Education, and the Urban Libraries Council to provide thousands of books and learning opportunities to residents living in public housing communities.

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June

06-16-17 National Civic League recognizes Sarasota-Manatee area as an All-American City.

JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUN

Third Quarter 101,075 building inspections performed through the end of Q3 (22.3% increase over FY16).

Third Quarter 26,343 total permits issued through the end of Q3 (9% increase over FY16).

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06-23-17 Bee Ridge Road widening project wins Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents team project award.

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Third Quarter 15,314 permits issued over the internet in Q3 (up 17.3% over FY16).

NE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE  JUNE 

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06-30-17 County and Town of Longboat Key open a 3.54-acre Bayfront Park addition. This gulf-to-bay parcel was acquired in 2007 as part of the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program at a cost of approximately $8 million. Improvements include a dog park, kayak launch, pickleball, basketball court, restrooms, children’s area/playground, picnic area, covered pavilion, fishing pier, shuffleboard courts, bicycle facilities, a technology hub and a multipurpose path for biking and jogging. www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

07-18-17 The website msn.com names Siesta Beach one of the 11 most colorful beaches in the world.

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July

JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY

07-01-17 County expands permit program for operators of nonmotorized water vessels to Turtle Beach, following the program’s successful launch at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach in 2014.

07-10-17 County completes Phase 2 of the Warm Mineral Springs Public Improvement Project.

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07-19-17 Florida Department of Transportation recertifies Sarasota County’s Local Agency Program, which provides funding for the county’s Advanced Traffic Management Systems, the Cattlemen Road extension and the River Road Regional Interstate Connector.

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07-21-17 Sarasota County earns 2017 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award for the third consecutive year from the National Procurement Institute.

07-26-17 County launches mobilefriendly upgrade of county website, scgov.net.

Y  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY  JULY 

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07-21-17 Moody’s Investor Services affirms Sarasota County’s Aaa issuer rating and its outstanding limited ad valorem tax bond rating of Aaa.

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Fourth Quarter Bee Ridge Household Hazardous Waste Facility project completed.

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08-01-17 Comprehensive Plan receives Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association’s Florida Chapter.

August

08-26-17 2017 U.S. Tourism Quality Index names Sarasota County No. 15 in its list of best cities for sports and adventure.

AUGUST  AUGUST  AUGUST  AUGUST  AUGUST  SEP

Fourth Quarter Stormwater rehabilitation projects completed at Alfred Park and 10th Street to clean, inspect and rehabilitate stormwater pipeline.

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09-01-17 Florida Department of Economic Opportunity conditionally approves $20 million in funding for the new Atlanta Braves spring training complex.

September

PTEMBER  SEPTEMBER  SEPTEMBER  SEPTEMBER 

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09-20-17

TA SARASO COUNTY 2 0 1 7

County wins Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine.

09-23-17 to 10-01-17 09-10-17 Hurricane Irma passes Sarasota County as a Category 2 hurricane.

2017 World Rowing Championships held at Nathan Benderson Park.

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

When the world came to Sarasota An international event goes off without a ripple.

From Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, Sarasota County hosted the 2017 World Rowing Championships (WRCH) at Nathan Benderson Park. This was the first time in 23 years the prestigious competition was held in the U.S. The eight-day event showcased world-class athletes from 69 participating countries. Nearly 41,000 people attended with 1,700 athletes, coaches and support staff involved.

The bid to host WRCH was awarded to Nathan Benderson Park in 2013 in Chungju, South Korea, by the FISA Congress (the World Rowing Federation).

More than $40 million in public and private-sector funds were committed to help transform a former borrow pit into the world-class rowing facility that

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is Nathan Benderson Park today; a premier rowing venue, capable of hosting this Olympic-caliber event.

USRowing Team Programs Manager Mike Zimmer called it, “…an incredible venue, probably one of the best in the world.”

The event generated nearly $23 million — more than $18 million was spent in Sarasota and Manatee counties alone on lodging, dining, transportation, entertainment, admissions, groceries and retail sales.

And the economic impact doesn’t end there – 86 percent of the international teams attending the event stated they would recommend Sarasota as a vacation destination and 85 percent of domestic attendees said they’d return to the area.

Lodging Dining Groceries Event admissions Entertainment Retail sales Transportation

$4,521,200 $3,067,400 $520,900 $604,600 $250,700 $888,600 $959,500

Source: Downs & St. Germain Research, http://dsg-research.com

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www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

10-02-17 Kathy Croteau named Building Official of the Year by the Gulf Coast Chapter of Building Officials Association of Florida; Stan Dinwoodie named Inspector of the Year.

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October

OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER 

10-04-17 Sarasota named best place to retire by U.S. News & World Report.

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10-16-17 Groundbreaking ceremony held for Atlanta Braves spring training facility in North Port.

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10-10-17 County receives $1 million endowment for Venice Library; names new facility after donor William H. Jervey, Jr.

10-30-17 Groundbreaking ceremony held for new William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library.

OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER  OCTOBER

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10-14-17 County celebrates completion of the South Venice Beach Waterway Restoration Project.

10-12-17 National Geographic names North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton area one of the happiest cities in the U.S.

10-27-17 Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) wins Florida Public Transportation Association Bus Safety Excellence Award. www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

11-02-17

AA+

Fitch Ratings gives AA+ rating to $21.5 million capital improvement revenue bonds to finance the county’s portion of the Atlanta Braves spring training stadium.

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11-07-17 S&P Global Ratings gives Sarasota County an AA+ rating to bonds being issued for Atlanta Braves stadium funding.

November

NOVEMBER  NOVEMBER  NOVEMBER  NOVEMBER 

11-08-17 County and Town of Longboat Key officials celebrate grand opening of Bayfront Park on Longboat Key.

11-07-17 941-861-5000

Shannon Staub Library at Suncoast Technical College-North Port opens.

A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION

A look at the year in total.

AAA

AAA General Obligation Bonds rating by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch — the best rating a government can earn.

December

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Highest annual Citizen Opinion Survey ratings

E-V-E-R!

• 97% of respondents rate the overall quality of life in Sarasota County as excellent or good.

• • 99% were treated with respect

94% are satisfied with county services.

12-07-17 Commissioners meet with Administration to determine priorities for FY18; select Nancy C. Detert as 2018 commission chair and Charles D. Hines as vice chair.

(up 5% from 2016).

• 95% were given correct information (up 9%).

• 93% received help in a timely manner (up 6%).

• 102 lane miles of roads resurfaced.

• Construction value of new construction permits issued: $10.53 million.

• 1,620 single-family dwelling unit permits issued.

• 1,403 library cards issued.

• Average response time for the first emergency services unit on scene: 6.01 minutes (compared to 6.26 minutes in FY16).

• 62% increase in the number of trail users for The Legacy Trail.

www.scgov.net

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

After the storm On Sept. 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma passed to the east of Sarasota County on its way up the center of the state.

The fringes of Hurricane Irma’s Category 2-strength winds took down power to more than 170,000 Florida Power & Light (FPL) customers and 108 intersections in Sarasota County. It also 32

littered the area with nearly 300,000 cubic yards of storm debris, blocking vital roadways. More

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than 1,650 county employees worked during the full-scale activation for the storm.

09-10-17 Hurricane Irma knocks out power to 170,830 FPL customers and the majority of traffic signals in Sarasota County.

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09-11-17

09-12-17

By 1:30 a.m., Sarasota County first-in teams are on the street clearing paths for first responders.

County government offices reopen for business; most critical facilities operational.

A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION During the storm, more than 350 county employees reported for duty at the Emergency Operations Center. Others helped support more than 20,000 people in local emergency shelters.

From Sept. 5-15, the county’s Contact Center, with assistance from library employees, answered 12,978 calls on everything from how to prepare their homes for the storm to where they should evacuate if necessary. They also offered words of assurance to relatives from out of state.

In the early morning hours after the storm passed, between 40 and 50 teams were dispatched for damage assessment. Within 48 hours, 83 percent of the county’s critical facilities were back on line; 704 lift stations were powered by rotating portable generators, and Sarasota County Government was back in business.

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During the days and weeks that followed, multiple departments managed recovery operations. Nine comfort stations and two SCAT buses provided cold water, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, food and mobile phone charging stations to those without power or who needed a break from storm cleanup. Utilities crews managed lift station repairs and water main breaks. Solid Waste staff worked roundthe-clock to coordinate debris removal. There’s nothing like a natural disaster to test the mettle of an organization. The speed at which government operations were restored is a testament to the commitment of county employees working as one team to protect our citizens and property.

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www.scgov.net

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A WORLD-CLASS ORGANIZATION

2017 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

When your community offers superior, environmentally friendly facilities, programs and recreational opportunities, the world comes to you.

The venue that made the biggest splash in 2017 was Nathan Benderson Park.

In 2017, the Sarasota County Sports Commission hosted or sponsored more than 150 different events that resulted in a regional economic impact of nearly $200 million. From soccer to lawn bowling, tennis to equestrian, lacrosse, volleyball, track and field, Sarasota County gives people of all ages and from all countries ways and places to play. The 2017 U.S. Tourism Quality Index named Sarasota County No. 15 in its list of best cities for sports and adventure.

This unique 600-acre facility cemented its reputation as a contender to European counterparts with the successful hosting of the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

SPRING TRAINING Professional baseball has been a Sarasota tradition since 1924, when circus magnate John Ringling helped recruit the New York Giants to hold spring training here. Since 2010, the Baltimore Orioles have called Ed Smith Stadium their spring training home, and the Baltimore/ Washington, D.C., area is now one of Sarasota County’s top three markets for tourism. The team generates nearly $90 million annually for the local economy.

In 2017, Sarasota County began a new chapter in its relationship with baseball by moving forward with a plan to bring the Atlanta Braves to town. In partnership with the City of North Port, the West Villages, Mattamy Homes and the state of Florida, the Braves are constructing a state-of-the-art baseball academy and spring training complex that is scheduled to be ready for spring training in 2019.

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In addition to a 2,000-meter sprint rowing course, the facility features coaching lanes, wave attenuation and a multifunctional finish tower. The total economic impact in Florida before, during and after the rowing championships was $22.6 million (more than $18.6 million in Sarasota and Manatee counties alone).

Nathan Benderson Park Finish Tower.

SIESTA BEACH Sarasota County has 35 miles of beaches that stretch along its western coast, but the most famous is Siesta. In 2017, TripAdvisor ranked Siesta Beach No. 1 in the country and No. 5 in the world. “Dr. Beach,” Stephen Leatherman named Siesta Beach No. 1 for an unprecedented second time in seven years, and msn.com named it one of the 11 most colorful beaches in the world.

Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Florida 34236

Since opening in 2009, the park has hosted Olympic rowing trials, two USRowing Youth National Championships, and will host the 2018, 2021 and 2022 NCAA Women’s Rowing National Championships. The park will also host the 2018 World Rowing Masters Regatta and 2018 World Sailing Annual Conference.

On the cover: Opening ceremony of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, Nathan Benderson Park.

www.scgov.net