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SEERDs July/August 2025 Update


We have had some positive feedback from our neighbors since we started using an outline format below for our monthly update. So, we are continuing with the abbreviated version with a link to the full text near the bottom. We value hearing from our contributors as well as others following our website. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact us via the SEERD.org website and we will be glad to respond.



The Classical Academy (TCA) Modular Classroom Dispute

  • Sarasota County has closed its enforcement case against TCA regarding illegal modular classrooms.

  • Closure was based on recent amendments to Florida Statute §1002.042(19)(c), which override local code enforcement authority.

  • SEERD is consulting with legal experts to assess next steps for protecting the neighborhood and property values.

Traffic Safety Issues at The Hammocks

  • Residents report dangerous U-turns by TCA traffic at the entrance to The Hammocks due to blocked westbound turns.

  • HOA is documenting incidents and may pursue legal and regulatory remedies with SEERD’s support.

Legal Win for SEERD in Defamation Lawsuit

  • TCA dropped its defamation lawsuit against SEERD and its president.

  • Judge ruled that SEERD’s president is entitled to reimbursement for legal fees tied to a baseless drone surveillance allegation.

  • Future lawsuits of this nature may trigger Florida’s Anti-SLAPP protections against retaliatory legal action.

Celery Fields at Risk Again

  • Developer D.R. Horton is appealing a denied rezoning request to build near the environmentally sensitive Celery Fields.

  • A public FLUEDRA hearing is scheduled for September 11 to determine if the denial will be reconsidered.

State Preemption of Local Land Use Authority

  • Senate Bill 180 halts local land use policy changes for three years across Florida.

  • The bill restricts counties like Sarasota from adapting zoning and planning regulations to reflect climate risks.

  • Unlike Sarasota, Manatee County is challenging the law and pushing forward with new environmental protections and planning reforms.

Stormwater Management Reforms

  • Sarasota County has created a new Stormwater Management Department to address flooding and infrastructure resilience.

  • Concerns remain about delayed action and previously unused stormwater assessment funds.

  • Public programs like sandbag distribution are seen as symbolic but insufficient responses to systemic risk.

Upcoming Advocacy Events

  • Sarasota Citizens Action Network (SCAN) will host a community discussion on sustainable land use planning:


Summary

This document highlights the interplay between development pressures, infrastructure and financing challenges, and regulatory hurdles across Sarasota County. While efforts are ongoing in areas like road expansion and stormwater management, delays in enforcement, state-level preemption, and underfunded projects pose serious risks to neighborhood quality of life and environmental resilience.


Click here to read our in-depth report of the information outlined above:






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Thanks for your continuing interest and support to protect our neighborhood.


 
 
 

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