2015 Sarasota County Annual Report

2 0 1 5 ANNUAL REPOR T

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Provide Excellent Service

Encourage Economic Growth

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.

Being simple 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.

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.

• 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.

• Provide Excellent Service

Focus on providing quality, accurate and timely service.

• Plan for Positive

Development and Redevelopment Create an environment that supports ideal growth.

• Promote Quality of Life

Ensure a premier standard of quality of life for all Sarasota County residents and visitors.

• Be Environmental Stewards Establish a sustainable environmental standard for Sarasota County.

• Maintain and Enhance

Existing Infrastructure Invest in infrastructure that is the foundation for the future and supports all strategic goals.

• Cultivate an Innovative Organization

Progressively plan for the future by promoting a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

The Sarasota County 2015 Annual Report A l etter fro m t h e Co u n t y Admi n i s tra to r I’m happy to present the 2015 Sarasota County Annual Report, which highlights our most important projects, programs and initiatives. This report begins with an overview of the Sarasota County budget and how your tax dollars are spent. We follow that with examples of how we met each of the county’s eight strategic goals over the past year.

This year’s report focuses on the county’s goal of maintaining and enhancing existing infrastructure. In fiscal year 2015 (FY15), Sarasota County managed 151 capital projects and completed 35 projects with a budget value or more than $150 million.

Those projects included two new fire stations, a state-of-the-art emergency operations center and an extensive resurfacing program that paved 82 lane miles of road with $10.2 million in construction contracts awarded.

“

FY15 was a good year financially.

”

FY15 was also a good year financially.

The county’s overall expenses were contained at 2.6 percent — below the 3 percent increase in our forecast model. Thanks to a record-breaking tourist season of more than 1 million seasonal visitors, tourist development tax dollars exceeded budget estimates by $2 million.

is positive news, our tax base is still 25.7 percent below its peak in 2008. In the coming year, we must stay focused on strategies to address funding gaps, maintain the level of service that citizens have come to expect and carefully consider new demands on the county’s limited resources.

I am confident our team will meet these challenges, thanks to an engaged county commission that provides clear strategic direction and support for the efforts of more than 2,000 government employees. We are also fortunate to have the support of community partners that work with us to seed workforce development and build healthier neighborhoods.

I hope you enjoy looking back on 2015.

I welcome your suggestions and input for how we may best serve you in 2016.

Sincerely, Thomas A. Harmer County Administrator

This improved financial picture suggests that we are moving into a period of economic growth, and demand for services is beginning to surpass pre-recession levels. While this

WE ARE ONE TEAM 1 www.scgov.net

97 percent of respondents to the county's annual Citizen Opinion Survey said that over the past year, county employees treated them with respect.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

The 2015 Sarasota County Commission Elec te d to s e r ve t h e c o m mu n i t y

Left to right: Christine Robinson, Paul Caragiulo, Carolyn J. Mason, Charles D. Hines and Alan Maio.

Five elected county commissioners serve as Sarasota County's governing body.

Commissioners are elected at-large for four-year terms. They appoint a chair and 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.

Commissioners appoint a county administrator to act as the county’s chief administrative officer for all matters and operations under the commission’s

2 941.861.5000

authority, along with a county attorney, who represents the commission and serves as its counsel.

1 2 4

Carolyn J. Mason District 1, Chair

3

Alan Maio

District 4, Vice Chair

Paul Caragiulo District 2

5

Christine Robinson District 3

Charles D. Hines District 5

Sarasota County Districts

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

MISSION 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.

VALUES 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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In 2015, Sarasota County opened an online service request intake system on the county's website, www.scgov.net.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

How your government works Struc tu red to e f f i c i e n t l y se r ve th e c it ize ns o f Sa r a so t a Co u n t y Home Rule

Sarasota County incorporated in 1921 and adopted a Home Rule charter in 1971. The charter established a commission form of government with county commissioners as the county’s governing body.

Sarasota County Commission

Five commissioners are elected countywide, but each must live in a specific district. With the exception of emergency ordinances, commissioners adopt new ordinances (laws) by affirmative vote of at least three members. The commission also makes decisions on any amendments to the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan.

Sarasota County, Florida

Charter Review Board

The Charter Review Board is responsible for reviewing and making changes to the county charter. The board is composed of 10 members, two from each commission district, who serve four-year terms without compensation.

They are elected countywide by voters during each general election. They are elected for terms of four years for a maximum of two terms (or eight years).

They operate independently of the county commission.

Citizen advisory boards

The county has more than 30 citizen advisory boards, councils and committees, whose members are appointed by the county commission and who advise the commission on specific issues.

4 941.861.5000

Thomas A. Harmer County Administrator

Stephen E. Demarsh County Attorney

County administrator and attorney

The county commission appoints only two employees: the county administrator and the county attorney.

The county administrator is the chief administrative officer for the county and operates under the authority of the county commission. The administrator is solely responsible for hiring and dismissing all employees, with the exception of those in the office of the county attorney.

In addition to the employees listed on the opposite page, four departments and three assistant county administrators report directly

to the county administrator. Those four departments are Communications, Ethics and Compliance, Community and Intergovernmental Relations and Economic Development.

Constitutional officers

Sarasota County also has five constitutional officers, each elected by the public for terms of four years: the sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and the clerk of the circuit court and comptroller. These elected officials operate independently of the county commission.

Total employees 5

Commission Services

40

Communications

21

County Attorney

4

Economic Development

587

Emergency Services

73

Enterprise Information Technology

38

Health and Human Services

44

Human Resources

140

Libraries and Historical Resources

8

Office of County Administrator

65

Office of Financial Management

192

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

152

Planning and Development Services

313

Public Utilities

260

Public Works

257

Sarasota County Area Transit

12

UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability

2,211

Total number of Sarasota County Commission employees (excluding elected officers).

10.05 years Average length of service.

6.49 years Average years in the job.

2,211 Total employees

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Sarasota County has 17 projects that have been either LEED-certified or are awaiting certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Your tax dollars at work Cons er va tive, aw a rd-w i n n i n g fisc a l p o lic ie s The charts on the following pages represent pre-close, unaudited revenue and operating and capital expenditures for FY15. (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).

Major revenues in FY15

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.

The utility system and services like stormwater and solid waste (garbage collection) operate like distinct businesses within the county, and the revenues collected are restricted to their 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

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Property taxes (countywide)

$142,433,073

Utility revenues*

$102,227,059

Infrastructure sales surtax

$34,056,096

Half-cent sales tax

$28,891,874

Gas taxes

$16,698,764

FP&L franchise fee

$17,308,484

Tourist development tax

$19,073,634

Impact fees

$19,578,268

Communications services tax

$10,216,291

State revenue sharing

$9,550,327

Total

$400,033,870

* Water and wastewater monthly billings and miscellaneous charges; excludes assessments and capacity fees. Data represents pre-close, unaudited amounts.

facilities, promotion/advertising and beach/shoreline maintenance.

The 1 percent infrastructure surtax (a voter-approved countywide sales tax), is restricted to funding capital projects like building/improving roads, parks, libraries or a jail. Gas taxes are restricted to transportation-related expenditures.

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 is fully funded at the beginning of FY16; and a budget stabilization/economic uncertainty fund, which is being used as intended as the county moves beyond the recession.

FY15

SARASOTA COUNTY (Unincorporated)

SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD $0.340 School (State) $0.244 School (Local)

$0.58 School Total

58¢

Sarasota County is funded primarily through:

Sarasota County millage rate

5

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

4 3

3.39

3.39

3.39

3.34

3.34

3.34

3.34

3.34

0

3.69

1

4.09

2

FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15

Millage rate

Sarasota County’s FY15 millage rate was the second-lowest in Florida (out of 67 counties). Other millage rates range from 3.1275 for Monroe County to 10.0 for Dixie, Hamilton, Liberty, Madison and Union counties.

Millage rates for cities in Sarasota County City of Sarasota** = 3.5605

City of Venice = 3.2920

Town of Longboat Key = District A 3.0868, District B 2.4493

City of North Port = 3.5974

**(Not including special districts run by the city.)

FY15

PERMITS, FEES AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS • Fire and rescue assessments • Solid waste assessments • Stormwater assessments

• Electric franchise fees • Impact fees • Building permits

INTERGOVERNMENTAL • Federal Transit Administration grants • Court-related functions • State revenue sharing • Half-cent sales tax • 9-1-1 communications fee • Community Development Block grants CHARGES FOR SERVICES • Utility system charges • Solid Waste system charges • Ambulance charges • Sarasota County Area Transit charges

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

SARASOTA COUNTY $0.236 Sarasota County

General operating revenue for the Sheriff's Office, 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.

DISTRICTS $0.027

$0.003 $0.082

Southwest Florida Water Management West Coast Inland Navigation Sarasota Memorial Hospital

$0.11

District Total

$0.013 Sarasota County Debt $0.006 Mosquito Control $0.050 Sarasota County EMS $0.31

County Total

31¢

11¢

For illustrative purposes only. Does not include non-ad valorem assessments. Totals include rounding.

In 2015, the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management once again received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The award is the highest professional recognition in governmental budgeting and is presented by the Government Finance Officers Association. The county has won the award for 25 consecutive years. Learn more about the Sarasota County budget at www.scgov.net/Finance.

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In 2015, the proportion of annual Citizen Opinion Survey respondents who rated their quality of life in the county as excellent or good rose to 95 percent.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Your tax dollars at work Foc u s ing o n c a re f u l u se o f taxe s a nd r a te p aye r d o l l a r s Capital improvement program (CIP) expenditures by category for FY15

Total operating expenditures for FY15 Department/Division

Amount

% of Total

CIP Category

Amount

$330,589

0.1%

Community Redevelopment

Communications

$3,724,693

0.6%

Economic Development

County Attorney

$3,207,017

0.5%

Emergency Communications

$7,564,726

Economic Development

$1,651,375

0.3%

Emergency Management

$6,202,725

Emergency Services

$84,005,574

14.2%

Environmental Protection

Enterprise Information Technology

$17,841,655

3.0%

Fire and Rescue

Health and Human Services

$23,796,917

4.0%

General Government

$6,802,878

Human Resources

$55,325,574

9.3%

Information Technology

$1,474,271

Libraries

$2,221,952

Commission Services

Libraries and Historical Resources

$10,922,477

1.8%

Office of County Administrator

$1,420,149

0.2%

Office of Financial Management

$55,611,008

9.4%

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

$22,942,563

3.9%

Planning and Development Services

$21,476,329

3.6%

$202,125,925

34.0%

Public Works

$59,639,942

10.1%

Sarasota County Area Transit

$28,605,182

4.8%

$1,096,327

0.2%

$593,723,296

100%

Public Utilities

UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Total expenditures

Total operating expenditures do not include constitutional officers.

Above data represents pre-close, unaudited amounts.

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$103,798

$286,132 $10,801,263

Natural Resources

$307,180

Navigable Waterways

$388,540

Neighborhoods

$734,276

Parks and Recreation Potable Water

$15,592,868 $4,044,125

Reuse Water

$66,448

Solid Waste

$664,506

Stormwater Traffic Circulation Transit Services Wastewater Watershed Restoration Total

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$1,697,321

! 3.39

MILLAGE RATE second-lowest in Florida

$2,492,489 $44,080,057 $237,734 $14,373,209 $1,717,316 $121,853,814

Capital improvement program project expenditures by department for fiscal year 2015

Economic Development $103,798 0.1%

Emergency Services $24,568,714 20.1% Public Works $44,080,057 36.2%

Sarasota County Area Transit $237,734 0.2%

Public Utilities $23,358,093 19.2%

Enterprise Information Technology $1,474,271 1.2% Facilities and Fleet Management $6,802,878 5.6%

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources $16,288,588 13.4%

AAA

Libraries and Historical Resources $2,221,952 1.8%

Planning and Development Services $2,717,729 2.2%

RATING

Good news for bond ratings

In 2015, Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings, affirmed Sarasota County's AAA implied general obligation bond rating. Fitch also gave the county’s infrastructure sales surtax bonds an AA+ rating and affirmed Sarasota County’s AA+ rating for its second guaranteed entitlement revenue bonds.

The rating for these bonds is based on several factors, including the county’s excellent credit profile.

In 2015, New York-based Moody’s Investor Services upgraded Sarasota County’s rating for $71.3 million in limited ad valorem bonds from Baa1 status to A3 status with a positive

outlook. The bonds were originally issued to finance the acquisition and protection of environmentally sensitive lands and parkland.

Moody’s also upgraded the county's Solid Waste system revenue bonds from A2 to Aa3, a two-notch upgrade.

All of these bond ratings reflect a continued resurgence of financial growth in Sarasota County, along with a sustained trend of robust financial metrics, positive financial results and a strong debt coverage ratio. Sarasota County’s strong financial standing played a role as well, based on careful management of financial policy, conservative budgeting practices and healthy reserve fund levels.

National Procurement Institute honors Sarasota County In 2015, Sarasota County’s Procurement division was honored for “Achievement of Excellence in Procurement” by the National Procurement Institute, an organization dedicated to establishing and developing efficient purchasing methods and practices in governmental, educational and institutional procurement.

The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award honors organizational excellence in public and nonprofit procurement, provides benchmarks for continued excellence, and increases awareness of public procurement as a profession.

This is the first time that Sarasota County has won the award. It marks the culmination of a fouryear effort to implement sweeping changes and improvements, not only to procurement and the way Sarasota County conducts its business, but also to the key areas of contracting, transparency and ethics.

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73 percent of respondents to the county's annual Citizen Opinion Survey who were very satisfied with county services said they trusted local government most of the time.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Ensure fiscal sustainability Cons e r v a t i ve bu d ge t i n g a nd fo c u s e d f i sc a l st r a te gi es Developing a budget that supports a large, public organization like Sarasota County Government is complex, exacting work. The budget must fund — among other things — public safety, water/ wastewater utility systems, infrastructure maintenance and a public transit system. It must integrate the costs of constitutional officers, such as the sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector and clerk of the circuit court and comptroller, and it is most successful when it finds ways to balance all of these needs with the social services (libraries, parks and health) that help create a superior quality of life.

2015 fiscal highlights

•

• • •

•

F itch Ratings affirmed Sarasota County's AAA implied general obligation bond rating, as well as the AA+ rating on the county's second guaranteed entitlement revenue bonds.

F itch also assigned an AA+rating for the $32.6 million in infrastructure sales surtax bonds, series 2015.

Moody’s upgraded the Solid Waste system revenue refunding bonds from A2 to Aa3.

Moody’s Investor Services upgraded Sarasota County’s limited ad valorem tax bond rating from a Baa1 to A3 status with a positive outlook ($71.3 million series 2014, 2008 and 2005).

T he county collected $1.8 million from other local governments and public partners for technology services and $19.6 million in impact fees.

10 941.861.5000

• T he county closed on the following

advance refundings that resulted in a combined net present value savings of $15.5 million: • Communication services tax bonds, series 2006 • Surtax III bonds, series 2008A and 2008B • Limited ad valorem tax bonds, series 2008 • Utility bonds, series 2007 • Solid Waste bonds, series 2007 • The county closed on two conduit financing bonds, totaling $78 million, to benefit local assisted living/longterm care facilities.

• T he Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the Clerk and Comptroller’s finance department the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY14.

• T he county completed sale of a

42-acre surplus property at Coburn Road near Fruitville Road.

In addition, the Office of Financial Management conducted employee training in contracts, purchasing, grants management and cash handling; and partnered with Emergency Services to improve its external billing processes. Two Procurement employees were certified as public purchasing officials, and the county earned the Distinguished Budget Award from GFOA for the 25th consecutive year.

Learn more at www.scgov.net/Finance.

$3,500 PER YEAR

Facilities planning will save

in disposal fees through its pallet recycling program.

In addition to creating enough electricity to power nearly 3,000 homes, a 15-year agreement between Sarasota County and Landfill Energy Systems Florida (Aria) gives the county a state-of-the-art landfill gas-to-energy facility with no associated capital spending and a steady revenue stream. The project resulted in two fulltime jobs and contributed more than $500,000 to local vendors and companies for construction.

Who helps keep the plant operating?

Standing, left to right: Technical Specialist Jason Timmons; Environmental Specialists Jim Szala and Chris Murray; and Supervisor Oland Stokes Jr., all with Solid Waste. Sitting, left to right: Aria Plant Operators Rob West and Joshua Farias.

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The three engines at the county’s landfill gas-to-energy facility each produce more than 2,200 horsepower. Compare that to the 750 horsepower of the average NASCAR engine.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Encourage economic growth A m u lti-pro n ge d a ppro a c h to ec o no m i c de ve l o pme n t Sarasota County recognizes that partnerships and collaborations are crucial to building an economic base. In FY15, the county successfully coordinated multiple transportation, emergency and inspection services to support the opening of the Mall at University Town Center (UTC).

The 860,000-square-foot mall now anchors a powerful retail and dining base that is home to a diverse mix of upscale fashion and lifestyle retailers.

In October 2015, UTC was named “Best Retail Development, Florida� by the International Property Awards. It will soon be joined by several employmentgenerating hotels.

Sports tourism is still big business in Sarasota County

In 2015, 81 tournaments were held at county facilities, and six new outdoor pickelball courts at the Englewood Sports Complex hosted several successful pickelball tournaments.

Over the next two years, Sarasota County anticipates a significant economic impact from events at Nathan Benderson Park, which will host the 2017 World Rowing Championships, the 2018 World Rowing Masters Regatta and the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. The park also hosted the 2015 Pentathlon World Cup, which had a nearly $6 million economic impact.

Siesta Beach drives tourism

In 2015, the local economy benefitted UTC is a prominent example of the from two major designations: Yahoo economic diversification taking hold Travel named Siesta Beach one of its in Sarasota County. In addition to top spring break destinations, and supporting the opening of the mall, TripAdvisor named it the No. 1 beach Sarasota County helped pay for the in the United States (and 14th in equipment to start a new precision the world). AARP also named Siesta machining and automation program Beach its No. 1 beach. As word of each at Suncoast Technical College that announcement spread, local hotels and aims to diversify the local workforce restaurants reaped a record-breaking and supply much-needed skilled labor.

The program started as the result of a joint meeting between the county and the Sarasota School Board in 2012. In 2015, 19 students graduated from the program, with all successfully employed post-graduation (read more about this initiative on Page 27).

The county issued and approved

30

439 BUSINESS USE PERMITS

and COMMERCIAL PROJECTS for site construction.

The construction value of commercial permits issued in FY15 was

$133.4 MILLION

.

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season. According to Visit Sarasota County, more than 1 million visitors stayed in paid lodging during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up 9.3 percent over the previous year. Direct expenditures and economic impact increased 12 percent over the previous year.

Support and incentives

In addition to the natural beauty and climate that attracts so many companies, Sarasota County offers a robust variety of economic incentives and a considerable support network for business of all sizes. Nearly 2,400 jobs have been created as a function of Sarasota County incentives since 2009. In 2015, Economic Development staff assisted more than 20 companies with workforce needs and made more than 1,000 visits to small businesses.

Learn more at www.scgov.net/ EconomicDevelopment.

One of the primary drivers of economic growth in Sarasota County is the pure quartz sand of Siesta Beach. Its beauty and easy access is often cited by businesses as a major natural incentive to relocating here, and the success it brings local businesses and restaurants makes it well-deserving of its $21.5 million makeover.

Who helps maintains the beach?

Left to right: Supervisor Jerome Dillon; and Park Attendants Cynthia Pickett and Willie Ordonez, all with Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

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As one of two communities in the state’s Energy Economic Zone pilot program, Sarasota County has up to $300,000 in state incentives available in any fiscal year.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Provide excellent service A c o m m i t m e n t to wor k ing a s o n e te a m Sarasota County’s annual Citizen Opinion Survey solicits input on county services and programs, along with information about what is most important to citizens about how the county performs the function of governance. In 2015, a continued commitment to customer service and working as one team resulted in some of the survey’s most positive results ever.

• 97 percent of survey respondents said that over the past year, Sarasota County employees treated them with respect (up by 11 percent from 2014).

• 88 percent said they received correct information.

• 84 percent said they received help in a timely manner.

This is the highest responsiveness rate in the survey’s 24-year history, and particularly significant considering that the proportion of citizens contacting the county to get information increased for the second year in a row — up 11 percent from last year and 23 percent from 2013. To build on that success, the county constructed a new welcome center in the downtown Sarasota Administration Center that is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help citizens find the services they need.

• Operated nearly 304,000 miles on

public transit buses without an avoidable accident.

• Increased the percentage of all 9-1-1 calls answered within the target time frame from 82.5 percent in FY14 to 90 percent.

• Staffed a temporary Fire Station 17 during construction of a new station on a 24/7 basis to ensure adequate coverage.

• Opened Fire Station 16 at Twin Lakes Park.

• Completed Phase 1 of the Sarasota County Emergency Services Bicycle Team through the purchase of equipment and development of procedures to provide emergency response during large public events.

• Reported no drownings on Sarasota County guarded beaches; lifeguards performed 106 water rescues.

• Approved adding the Town of Longboat Key to county public safety dispatch.

• Saved 94 percent of the property

value of structures damaged by fire.

• Transported heart attack victims to an accredited cardiac facility in an average of 23.17 minutes, beating the industry benchmark of 30 minutes for optimal survival.

• Addressed 92 percent of code enforcement complaints within 48 hours.

• 98.4 percent of all acres mowed met county service level standards.

• Processed procurement change orders, on average, within one day; purchase orders, on average, within 3.5 days; and solicitations, on average, within 15 days.

How may we help you?

941-861-5000

Here are some of the other ways Sarasota County served its citizens in FY15: • Extended hours for bus service to Lakewood Ranch and for connections to routes south of University Parkway.

In FY15, Sarasota County celebrated the

2-MILLIONTH CALL 14 941.861.5000

to its Contact Center.

Every morning, the crew at Fire Station 16 at Twin Lakes Park pulls its emergency vehicles out of the bay and gives them a good once-over. Each gauge is tested, and every surface inch scrubbed. The 13,000-square-foot station, which opened in September 2015, features three truck bays and houses a fire engine, an advance life support ambulance and a full-time staff. The new station represents the county's ongoing commitment to maintaining a quality, first-class fire department and will allow firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to better serve this part of the community.

Who answers the call? Left to right: Firemedics Jesse Schilling, Nicole Smith and Robert Kraeft.

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Sarasota County offers weekly residential curbside collection of up to five gallons of used oil, five used oil filters and up to four tires (on or off the rim).

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Plan for positive development and redevelopment A c o m p re h e n si ve a ppro a c h to c om mu n i t y re s i l i e n c e

One of the strongest indicators that a local economy is gaining strength is in its permitting activity. In 2015, Sarasota County issued 31,326 permits, up 9 percent from FY14. The county approved 4,804 dwelling units through rezones, a 217 percent increase over FY14. The county also reviewed 412 site and development plans and performed 94,471 building inspections.

Protecting citizens' interests

Responsible governments plan for this growth to maintain a superior quality of life and protect the community’s interests. In FY15, Sarasota County’s unlicensed contractor team partnered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the State Insurance Fraud Division and Sheriff’s Office on an operation that netted 20 arrests for unlicensed activity in the county.

Preserving natural resources

Over the past year, Sarasota County began the Parks, Preserves and Recreation Master Planning process, which is aimed at preserving, protecting and enhancing some of the community’s most valuable resources. The county began a local neighborhood plan for the Kensington Park community, and hired a new bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to encourage and improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as help develop multimodal, alternative transportation. The county also began updating its Comprehensive Plan and completed a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan designed to restore normalcy in the wake of a natural or man-made emergency.

In September, the county adopted a Mobility Plan that provides the flexibility to design streets, along with funding through a new mobility fee to prioritize multimodal corridors. Unlike a road impact fee, this mobility fee may be spent on transportation projects such as trails, paths, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and transit stops; as well as on turn lanes, roundabouts and roadway capacity projects. The fee is lower for mixed-use projects and projects in urban infill areas, and is higher for projects in suburban, rural and developing areas that require new and widened roads to accommodate the increased travel demand.

4 PLANS

The county also approved the North Port Connector agreement for expansion of The Legacy Trail, with the city of North Port taking the lead on design, engineering and construction.

FOR THE FUTURE

Visit www.scgov.net

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• COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: (keywords comp plan update) • MOBILITY PLAN: (keywords impact fees) • PARKS, PRESERVES AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN: (keywords parks master plan) • POST-DISASTER REDEVELOPMENT PLAN: (keyword PDRP)

Located in the middle of one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, the unspoiled land of Walton Ranch is a crown jewel in Sarasota County’s plan for progress in south county. The 3,760-acre preserve has the potential to serve as a regional “trail hub” from the Myakka River to the Peace River. It opened to the public in June 2015 and features ranchland, natural habitats and valuable water resources. Hiking, biking and birding are just a few of the available recreational opportunities. Future plans call for an expanded parking area for horse trailers, a restroom and a picnic pavilion.

Who helps preserve our natural lands?

Left to right: Equipment Operators Bill Brown, Gene Henley, Jesse Ackerland and Ronald McRae, all with Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

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The Legacy Trail attracts more than 120,000 users each year.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Promote quality of life A wea lth o f a m e n i t i e s a nd hu ma n se r v i c e s A community’s quality of life is measured • Became the first county in the by its citizens’ potential for health and happiness. In the county’s most recent Citizen Opinion Survey, 95 percent of respondents rated their quality of life here as excellent or good, and it’s easy to see why. The World Health Organization and AARP both recognize Sarasota County as an age-friendly community, and the county has been named a “Healthy Weight Community Champion” by the Florida Department of Health. The county is designated a “Tree City” by the Arbor Day Foundation, and the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area was named by Gallup-Healthways as one of its “Cities with the Highest Wellbeing in the United States.”

•

•

•

state of Florida to kick off the Safe Sleep Initiative, a public safety campaign to promote safe sleep practices and education for parents of infants.

Collaborated with community partners to initiate a Baby Court Team, a multidisciplinary approach to improving children’s safety and well-being and reducing time spent in foster care.

S arasota County and the Sarasota County School Board began planning a new North Port library inside Suncoast Technical College.

I nstalled seven “Little Free Libraries” to encourage small lending libraries at standalone locations.

In addition to maintaining a variety of recreational areas to play, Sarasota County offers numerous facilities to learn, including the North Sarasota Library, a Human services cultural institution that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015; the North Port • Opened two emergency shelters for homeless families. One in Library, which celebrated 40 years of the northern part of the county service; and the newly rebuilt, awardis operated by Harvest House. winning Gulf Gate Library, which opened One in the south is operated by last year to accolades.

Catholic Charities.

Other ways in which Sarasota County • Issued 19,931 new library cards. contributed to a better quality of life • B egan operating the Sheriff’s in 2015: Housing Initiative Facilitating Transient Services, created to Partnerships and collaborations help homeless individuals with • Issued 18 neighborhood grants immediate housing, triage totaling more than $97,000 and assessment services on a (matched by nearly $124,000 from 24/7 basis. the community).

Conversations” with Dr. Robert Marbut to discuss progress on the county’s Homeless Action Plan.

Community health, recreation and well-being

• K eep Sarasota County Beautiful

•

• • •

coordinated nearly 500 volunteers who gave more than 1,000 hours of service during the annual Great American Cleanup.

S arasota County’s ISO Rating (which reflects the Fire Department’s ability to respond to structure fires) improved to a “2” rating in the urban areas and a “2Y” rating in the rural areas.

Code enforcement removed 11,249 illegal signs from county rights of way.

The county finalized an agreement with Sarasota Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays, Inc. to expand its facilities at Knight Trail Park.

T he county opened three additional parks and preserves, including Blackburn Point Park, Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, and Walton Ranch Preserve, a 19-mile trail system for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders.

Sarasota County libraries have MORE THAN

27,000 DVDS 17,000 CDS 12,000 E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS OVER

18

• H osted two “Community

941.861.5000

,

AND MORE THAN .

The Gulf Gate Library reopened to the public in January 2015. Two years in the making, the two-story 24,920-square-foot building immediately began garnering awards for its unique architecture, enhanced meeting rooms, a large teen center and a children’s “storytime” room. In August 2015, the $7.69 million project achieved LEED Silver certification for its water efficiency and energy performance.

Who creates community spaces?

Back row, left to right: Mike Carroll and Vinnie Tricarico of Facilities Maintenance, Librarian Robert Vaura, Customer Service Representative Laure Closser and Library Manager Christine Aston. Front row, left to right: Librarian Lisa Faber and Customer Service Representative Linda Widner.

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In FY15, 26,286 people attended 84 community events in county libraries.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure Provid in g p hy s i c a l a n d s t r uc tura l s u p p o r t fo r t h e c o mmu n i t y In FY15, Sarasota County managed 151 capital projects, meeting 89 percent of project milestones on time, on average. The county completed 35 projects with a budget value exceeding $150 million. Together these projects form a network of roads, facilities and amenities that ensure the safety of Sarasota County’s citizens and support a structural foundation for a growing regional community. Here are some of the ways Sarasota County supported that foundation in FY15.

Traffic

Improved the right of way on Laurel Road west of Interstate 75 and completed the following roadway projects: • Honore Avenue/Richardson Road roundabout.

• Resurfacing of Knights Trail and Laurel roads.

• N orth Shell Road parking improvements.

• R esurfacing of roads in Englewood and Venice.

• Jacaranda Boulevard resurfacing from U.S. 41 to Venice Avenue.

• Sidewalks in Nokomis and the Brentwood Elementary Regional Network area.

• I ntersection improvements at Myrtle Street and U.S. 301, which consisted of new sidewalks on the north and south sides of Myrtle Street, closed drainage, bicycle lanes and construction of an eastbound right turn lane.

• D esign and right of way acquisition for the Bee Ridge Road East capital improvement project.

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Facilities

• • • • • •

M odernized elevators at the Terrace Building.

Waterproofed and painted the downtown Sarasota Administration Center.

Installed 39 high-efficiency air conditioning units in 14 county buildings.

C ompleted restrooms at the Celery Fields.

C ompleted a new Emergency Operations Center.

Completed Fire Station 16 at Twin Lakes Park.

Parks and recreation

• Demolished the aging Osprey •

•

•

Utilities

• Performed condition assessments •

of more than 9,400 utility valves and more than 14 miles of stormwater pipe.

C ompleted the Oak Ford force main and pump station construction project, which removes the package plant from service and diverts wastewater flow to the Bee Ridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility.

•

Fishing Pier and constructed a new fishing pier off Main Street in Osprey.

Completed restoration of Red Bug Slough with water quality improvements, wetland plantings and construction of pedestrian bridges for hiking and bird watching.

I mproved and expanded amenities at Blackburn Point Park to include boat ramps, expand parking, permanent restrooms, a fishing pier and picnic areas.

C ompleted The Legacy Trail extension feasibility study and approved the North Port Connector Agreement for the expansion of the trail.

Made 31 improvements to public access points of county preserve areas and improved disability access at county parks.

• C ompleted Hudson Bayou water • •

quality improvements to treat stormwater runoff.

Completed construction plans and permitting for a potable waterline connection from Cattlemen Road to Professional Parkway.

Rehabilitated the Bermuda Brook weir, which consisted of a stepped mass gravity retaining wall, a rock revetment with a seawall cap and reinforcement of weir abutments.

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CAPITAL PROJECTS managed in FY15.

This portion of Mauna Loa Boulevard was part of a $2.2 million countywide project known as Resurfacing Uplands Subdivision and Various Roads. The project rehabilitated 30 lane miles of existing roadway, marking pavement and replacing curbs and sidewalks. In 2015, the county approved funding for a resurfacing program that allocates $12 million in FY16, followed by $10 million annually FY17-FY20.

Who’s working to improve our roadways? Standing: Capital Projects Communications Associate Billie Havey and Transportation Project Manager Arthur Powell. Kneeling: Project Manager Sandra Boudreau, P.E.

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www.scgov.net

Public Utilities maintains more than 1,300 miles of pipe to deliver drinking water to 80,000 customers.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Cultivate an innovative organization D e velo pi n g mo re e f f i c i e n t a nd e ffe c t ive te a m s FY15 was about making the county’s workforce more competitive and building a culture of teamwork. Sarasota County extended its “one team” concept to regional partners by working with Manatee, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties on regional mass evacuation planning for a major hurricane. The county added several new counties to its comparable community research, and it hosted a conference to share information about the use and future enhancements of GovMax, a performance management software that was developed by Sarasota County staff.

GovMax directly links investments in government products and services with measurable results. The conference attracted attendees from Collier, Marion, Leon, Sarasota, Monroe, Alachua and St. Lucie counties; and from the cities of Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Bellevue and Arlington.

Also in 2015, an employee survey collected feedback from 835 active employees (40 percent) and 113 retirees (41 percent). Prompted by responses to that survey, the county conducted a comprehensive study to address job market competitiveness and pay compression, and a cross-departmental

employee group prioritized ideas for improvements to the work environment and culture. Phase one of competitive pay adjustments for non-bargaining employees was implemented in November of 2015; the second phase will be implemented in 2016.

Other examples of how Sarasota County continues to cultivate a more innovative workforce:

Training

• Instituted annual National Incident

Command System training for all county employees.

• Raised the number of certified parks and recreation professionals from 19 to 22.

• Held 13 training sessions on budget preparation, contracts management and the procurement process.

941.861.5000

management system to increase efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects of Mosquito Management Services operations.

• Launched a new tool to help staff negotiate agreements for the use of county-owned property.

Health and wellness

• Conducted 646 fitness screenings

and administered 963 flu vaccines.

• 54 percent of eligible employees completed the county’s annual wellness exam and biometrics program, which reduces overall costs by spotting chronic and preventable conditions while they are easier and less expensive to treat.

Efficiencies through technology

• Completed the deployment of 3,500

desk phones for the upgrade to Voice over Internet Protocol. Recipients included employees of the Sarasota County Commission, constitutional offices and local state agencies.

• Conducted 69 percent of library

transactions through automation, up 11 percent over FY14.

MORE THAN 200 EMPLOYEES visit the county's on-site dietician each year.

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• Began installation of a new data

200+

The new Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) exemplifies Sarasota County's efforts to reduce costs, maximize resources, address emerging trends and realign services within like functional areas. This 40,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art structure brought together under one roof, the county’s emergency management division, Public Safety Communications, the Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 dispatch center and the county’s non-emergency Contact Center.

The site also contains a 250-foot telecommunications tower to provide communications links between emergency response agencies in the EOC and their respective law enforcement and agencies in the field.

Who's matching new technologies with public safety and communications? Left to right: Administrative Specialist Yvonne Holmes (seated), Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane, Emergency Management Business Professional Anne Miller, Contact Center Manager Dan Wuethrich and Emergency Management Business Professional Rob Day.

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The cement footers for the 250-foot telecommunications tower at the new EOC go 100 feet into the ground.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Be environmental stewards Le a d ing by e x a m pl e Sarasota County’s commitment to the environment extends far beyond the more than 50,000 acres of natural lands it manages. It includes responsible use of pesticides, water quality improvement, energy conservation and environmental advocacy. In 2015, county staff (in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition) hosted a Florida Alternative Fuel Vehicles Expo to demonstrate the benefits of using alternative fuels. The county also hosted its ninth annual Sustainable Communities Workshop and opened a landfill gas-to-energy facility that converts methane gas to electricity.

Instead of just burning methane, a greenhouse gas produced by the county’s landfill, three massive engines at the new facility are now converting that gas into electricity that enters the power grid. The electricity generated is enough to power 2,800 homes.

As a result of these initiatives, the Florida Green Building Coalition recertified Sarasota County as a Florida Green Local Government. The Sarasota County Sustainable Business Guide was honored by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association; and the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the newly opened Gulf Gate Library Silver LEED certification status.

Sarasota County also earned the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

• Held the annual seagrass monitoring

Below are some of the other ways Sarasota County led by example in FY15

• • • S afely burned more than 7,000

• Completed the Red Bug • •

•

•

Slough Preserve wetlands restoration project.

Purchased an ambulance with solar panels on the roof as a test unit to improve battery life and reduce fossil fuel use.

B egan breeding Gambusia, known as mosquito fish, to reduce overall pesticide use in the county.

Gambusia provide excellent biological control for mosquitoes, and they are available from Mosquito Management Services at no cost.

W orked with Mote Marine Laboratory to perform testing required to complete a baseline environmental quality study on the effect of pesticides on the environment.

Awarded contracts to improve water quality in the Little Sarasota Bay and Phillippi Creek watersheds.

Sarasota County maintains 2 BEE HIVES with about

30,000 BEES in each hive.

24 941.861.5000

census to count and identify seagrass species.

Sold 278 rain barrels.

P lanted more than 8,000 trees.

•

acres of county lands to help prevent the spread of wildfires and protect property.

Presented the Walton Ranch Master Concept Plan. Walton Ranch is a 3,760-acre preserve with more than 19 miles of trails, marshes, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and ranchland. The site was jointly purchased in 2010 by Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District. It has the potential to serve as a regional “trail hub” for a conservation corridor that extends from the Myakka River to the Peace River.

This massive concrete pipe is part of the Dona Bay Conveyance System and Surface Water Storage Facility — the county's largest stormwater improvement project since the Celery Fields. The $10.9 million conveyance project is a funding partnership between Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District. It is designed to reduce freshwater flows into Dona Bay while simultaneously providing up to 15 million gallons a day for the county’s public water supply.

Who’s working on the future of healthy waterways? Back row, left to right: Project Managers Peter Peduzzi and Ty Overmyer; and Procurement Analyst Keith Raney. Front, left to right: Technical Specialist Cliff Harrison, Solid Waste Manager Lois Rose, Project Manager Brenda Bair and Environmental Specialist Mike Jones.

www.scgov.net

Sarasota County has 21 electric vehicle parking spots at 13 county facilities.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

We are all one team Wo r k ing to g e t h e r to f r a me t h e future of ou r c om m u n i t i e s A unique public/private partnership allowed Pinecraft to be responsible for developing and paying for implementation of a community plan while the county served as a planning and technical resource.

The art of collaboration

Four years ago, representatives of the Pinecraft community initiated discussions with Sarasota County about how to improve the neighborhood while preserving the community’s unique quality of life. The area has been home to Amish and Mennonite residents for more than 70 years, and is primarily a walking- and bicycling-oriented community. It is also only one-quarter of a square mile in size and bordered by two major roadways.

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The local population had been swelling by as many as 3,000 residents a year, leading to concerns about safety and land use, but county staff realized that creating a community plan that would respect Pinecraft’s heritage would require consideration of design alternatives for roadway infrastructure and amenities.

Creating a cultural partnership Because the issues were so specific to Pinecraft, staff enlisted the help of Goshen College, a liberal arts college in northern Indiana known

for its leadership in intercultural and international education. Three of the college’s interns worked closely with Pinecraft residents to capture valuable data about their needs and desires, and the project evolved into a cultural partnership that will preserve and enhance Pinecraft’s quality of life while addressing many of the neighborhood’s planning and zoning issues — all with minimal budgetary impact. This innovative collaboration could act as a model for other neighborhood improvement projects.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED? Sarasota County offers a variety of opportunities to participate in local government, enrich the community and discover new connections for personal development.

Civics 101: A Citizen’s Academy

Civics 101 is a 10-week orientation to the 17 county departments that serve citizens every day. It takes place twice a year — once in the fall and once in the spring. Twenty-five residents are accepted each session on a firstcome, first-served basis. The program is free, and the application process is simple. Applications are accepted by email, fax or mail. To learn more, email neighbor@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.

Advisory councils

Join one of the more than 30 citizen advisory boards, councils and committees that provide input on specific issues ranging from tax oversight to tourist development. Learn more on Page 30 in this report.

Neighborhood grant programs

Sarasota County offers grants to neighborhoods that are willing to match funding through cash, in-kind donations, professional labor or volunteer hours. Resident and homeowner associations, or ad-hoc groups of neighbors who notice a need for improvement in one or more of the following areas may be eligible to apply: • S afety (lighting, organizing a crime watch and installing security cameras).

• C haracter and value (entry signs and historical landmark restoration).

• Leadership (start-up funds for associations, newsletters, directories and training).

• Health (community gardens, recreational facilities and emergency preparedness).

• E nvironment (removal of invasive species, Florida-friendly landscaping and pond/water restoration).

For more information on the next grant cycle, contact neighbor@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.

173,987 VOLUNTEER HOURS

The value of volunteers

Sarasota County volunteers keep local beaches, parks and roadways cleaner.

Volunteers fill library shelves, protect preserves and educate the community.

Between October 2014 and September 2015, volunteers and community partners contributed 173,987 hours in service, equal to a monetary value of more than $4 million (based on a national industry average of $23 per hour). Volunteering connects you to others, increases self-confidence, improves your outlook, helps you stay physically healthy, and brings fun and fulfillment to your life. Share your skills and experience at www.scgov.net (keyword volunteers).

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS In 2015, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County to bring a new after-school program to Newtown Estates Park. The program features a host of activities designed to enrich children's character development, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage academic success. It was made possible by a generous $181,000 grant from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, and it will provide greater opportunities for the children at Newtown Estates Park to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP Three years ago during a joint meeting with the Sarasota County School Board, county commissioners discussed how they could help diversify the local workforce and meet the demands of employers who needed people with machining skills.

That conversation led to an economic investment in a new precision machining and automation program at Suncoast Technical College, which had discontinued its machining courses 10 years earlier. The county helped pay for modern equipment and spearheaded the effort to get the program off the ground.

In its first year, the program graduated 100 percent of its students with a job (or a job offer). In 2015, the program received accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills, which is recognized throughout the machining industry (such accreditation usually comes after at least five years). The program also added night classes to bring working machinists up to speed on modern machinery techniques.

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Volunteers performed 58,111 hours of service in county libraries in FY15.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Awards and achievements

This is just a sampling of the recognition Sarasota County Government programs, services, initiatives and employees received in 2015.

1.

Gulf Gate Public Library earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

2.

The Clerk and Comptroller's finance department received the Certificate of

Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

3.

Sarasota County was named an Age-Friendly Community by the World Health Organization and AARP.

4.

Homeless Services Director Wayne Applebee received the 2015 Public Citizen of the Year award from the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

5.

The Florida Green Building Coalition recertified Sarasota County as a Florida Green Local Government.

6.

The Cattlemen Intermodal Transfer Station was selected as a finalist for the Florida Foundation for Architecture’s 2014 People’s Choice Awards.

7.

Sarasota County earned the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation.

8.

For the second consecutive year, Sarasota County won the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association’s Best Tasting Drinking Water contest.

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WE ARE ONE TEAM

9.

The Florida Sports Commission named Nathan Benderson Park Venue of the Year.

10.

The Siesta Beach picnic structures won the Object Award of Merit from the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

11.

Nathan Benderson Park was named the site of the U.S. Olympic Team trials for rowing (a qualifying event for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro).

12.

The Florida Association of Counties presented commissioners Charles D. Hines and Christine Robinson with the Presidential Advocacy Award.

13.

Commissioner Carolyn J. Mason received the local NAACP Lifetime Freedom Award.

14.

Firefighter-EMT Paul Kurtz and Firefighter-Paramedic Mark Tuttle were named Firefighter of the Year and Paramedic of the Year by the Sons of the American Revolution.

15.

Sarasota County was recognized as a Healthy Weight Community Champion for the second consecutive year by the Florida Department of Health.

16.

The Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2015 Project of the Year award.

17.

TripAdvisor ranked Siesta Beach No. 1 in the United States (No. 14 in the world).

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2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Advisory councils O pp or tu nitie s to s h a re yo u r e x p er ti s e Want to get involved?

Sarasota County Government values the participation and input of its residents in the decision-making process. To further that goal, the county has more than 30 citizen advisory boards, councils and committees, with members appointed by the Sarasota County Commission.

Each council focuses on a specific issue or topic. For a list of current council openings, or to submit an application online, visit www.scgov.net.

New advisory council members must attend an orientation class. For class times, dates and locations, visit www.scgov.net.

Members of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals are defined as "local officers" and are required by Florida Statutes to file financial disclosures.

• Bicycle/Pedestrian/Trail Advisory Committee

• Board of Zoning Appeals • Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals

• Citizen Tax Oversight Committee • Citizens Advisory Committee for Public Transportation • Coastal Advisory Committee

• C ommunity Action Agency Board • Development Services Advisory Committee

• Englewood Community

Redevelopment Area Advisory Board

• Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee

• Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board

All applicants must complete and submit an acknowledgment that they have read and agree to comply with Florida's Sunshine Law policy.

Training day New advisory board members must attend an orientation class. To register, contact the staff liaison to your board or council. Classes are held in the first floor training room at the downtown Sarasota Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

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• General Contractors Licensing and

Examining Board • Health Facilities Authority and Industrial Development Revenue Bond Citizens Advisory Committee

• Historic Preservation Board • Historical Commission • Human Services Advisory Council • Integrated Pest Management

Advisory Board • Keep Sarasota County Beautiful Advisory Board • Library Advisory Board • Mechanical Contractors Licensing and Examining Board • Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee • Parks Advisory and Recreation Council • Planning Commission

• Public Facilities Financing Advisory Board

• Sarasota Tree Advisory Council • Seniors Advisory Council • Stormwater Environmental Utility Advisory Committee

• Tourist Development Council • Traffic Advisory Council • Water and Sewer Advisory Committee

• Waterways Advisory Council • Well Drilling Advisory Board

1

Check the Weekly Calendar online for a list of current advisory board openings, available at www.scgov.net/AdvisoryBoards.

START

2

Find something that interests you.

Check out the list on the left!

WE ARE ONE TEAM

Important information:

• Certain advisory councils have

specific membership requirements, including financial disclosure and/or the submission of other information.

• Upon submittal to the county, the advisory council application form becomes public record and is open to public inspection under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

• You may include a resume, but you must sign and complete an advisory council application to be considered. Use additional pages if necessary. You are responsible for keeping the information on the application current.

• The Sarasota County Commission has set a minimum attendance requirement of 65 percent of the meetings. Failure to meet this requirement may be grounds for removal.

3

Complete an application online, also available at www.scgov.net/ AdvisoryBoards. You may also print an application and mail it to Sarasota County Government; Attention: Commission Services,1660 Ringling Blvd., Second Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236.

4

For questions regarding a specific advisory council, including the duties and scope of the position for which you’re applying, contact the county staff representative listed on that council's webpage.

BEGIN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY!

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In 2015, Sarasota County opened a new Welcome Center in the downtown Sarasota Administration Center.

How you can play a part

2015 SARASOTA COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

Clean air, clean water, and safe, beautiful spaces are a shared responsibility.

Who else is helping shore up Sarasota County's team? County Environmental Specialist Ashley Melton; Suncoast Reef Rover Charlie DeFazio; and volunteer divers Peter Rubenstein and Charles Peal.

Water u nd er t h e br i dg e s One of the more unique partnerships Sarasota County has developed is between Keep Sarasota County Beautiful (KSCB) and the divers who make up the Suncoast Reef Rovers. The Suncoast Reef Rovers became an official KSCB partner in 2000 by adopting Service Club Park in Venice. In addition to that commitment, the group has removed hundreds of derelict crab traps, fishing rods, rope, steel cable, soda bottles and cans from the rocks of the Venice Fishing Pier and Venice Jetty for the past 17 years. They

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help protect the hidden infrastructure of these popular destinations, performing a unique service that complements KSCB’s efforts to keep local shorelines clean.

The economic impact

During their dives, the Venice Police Department keeps the area safe by halting fishing on the pier, and local restaurants welcome the divers back on shore for cool drinks and hearty meals.

Every annual event is a success for the environment and the local economy.

The Suncoast Reef Rovers welcome volunteers. You must be a certified diver to participate underwater, but you can also help out on shore or on the pier. To learn more about upcoming dives and how to join, visit www.suncoastreefrovers.com.

For information about the county’s coastal cleanups, visit www.scgov.net (keywords Keep Sarasota County Beautiful).

WE ARE ONE TEAM

50 percent of the total surplus equipment received by Fixed Assets Management is donated to Friends of Sarasota County and other not-for-profit agencies.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

We are one team, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve the community.

1660 Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-861-5000 www.scgov.net Visit us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

WE ARE ONE TEAM

2 0 1 5 ANNUAL REPOR T How do you make the No. 1 beach even better?

With a $21.5 million improvement project that upgrades and adds facilities, increases parking, creates new spaces to play, and restores the historic pavilion to its 1950s-era glory.

Funding for the design and construction of this project was included as part of the voter-approved Surtax III Economic Stimulus Program.

Among the new amenities:

• An expanded and renovated

parking lot.

• Modern, expanded ADA-accessible restrooms.

• An upgraded and elevated concession area.

• Large and small picnic shelters.

• Relocated tennis courts.

• A 15-foot-wide pedestrian esplanade connecting the park from east to west.

• Improved vehicular and pedestrian access along Beach Road.

• Native plants and energyefficient lighting.

Improved stormwater management.

•