Below you can read for yourself how SEERD is working to protect our neighborhood:
Dear County Attorney, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Smith: I represent Sarasota East-Enders for Responsible Development, Inc. (“SEERD”), Brenda Stocks, and Steve Higgins. SEERD represents residents who live in close proximity to 8000 Bee Ridge Road (“Property”). Mr. Higgins lives at 4449 Samoset Drive, Sarasota, FL 34241 and Ms. Stocks lives at 4576 Legacy Court, both close to the Property. I am writing on my client’s behalf to file a complaint pursuant to Section 124-290(b)(1)(2), UDC for development without a permit and development inconsistent with a binding development concept plan. Specifically, my clients have observed at least 10 to 20 portables at the 8000 Bee Ridge Road site, presumably placed by The Classical Academy of Sarasota (“TCA”) for school use. I further request the County to investigate whether the School is exceedingauthorized occupancy levels. I urge Sarasota County Code Enforcement and the Planning and Development Services Department to take immediate action and suspend operations on site until TCA complies with the code. In July, the County Commission approved Resolution 2023-156 for Special Exception #1874 to permit an elementary, middle, and high school on the property. The Special Exception included a binding concept plan in which no portable structures were depicted. (Page 5 of Resolution 2023-156). TCA is required to comply with this binding concept plan. Section 124-43(D)(3)(a)(b), UDC. Two days ago, my clients witnessed numerous portables being transported onto the property. See attached for a photo taken today by Mr. Higgins from the side of the road. It is hard to know if there is just one row of portables or more, but it appears there are at least 10-20 in this photo alone. This fails to comply with the binding concept plan, which depicted no portables on site. As of today, no permits are listed on the Sarasota County permit search website for these portables. The unpermitted portables also raise serious public health and life safety questions as to whether these portables have been inspected or are safe for school operations. Additional code sections are likely implicated as well and should be fully investigated. Additionally, it raises serious questions as to the status of occupancy of the school. The County approved the special exception on the condition that, “prior to the enrollment of the 301st student, the Owner shall extend the eastbound to southbound right turn lane to the project’s main entrance,” and “unless a roundabout or traffic signal is constructed, there is also a westbound to southbound left turn lane at the projects main entrance.” Neither of these required conditions have occurred. Meanwhile, the school has existing facilities for up to 300 students, so any additional students in these portable classrooms would violate the approved occupancy on its face. We understand that code enforcement has investigated The Classical Academy of Sarasota before for life safety issues at the Fruitville Road location. It is critical that Code Enforcement takes immediate action to investigate and require compliance with the County Code to protect the safety of the students and surrounding neighborhood. Please confirm receipt and let us know if we can provide any further information. Sincerely, Jane Graham, Esq. Florida Bar Board Certified Attorney in City, County, and Local Government Law Attorney and Founder Sunshine City Law 737 Main Street, Suite 100 Safety Harbor, FL 34695 (727) 291-9526 jane@sunshinecitylaw.com www.sunshinecitylaw.com
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