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Voting Records — Sarasota County Commissioners

1,050 recorded votes. 2 failed.

Every recorded roll call of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners from the Smith/Neunder swearing-in (November 22, 2022) through 08/21/2026 — who voted yes, who voted no, who was absent or recused, what the money items enacted, and what the dissents actually amounted to. 99.8% of everything that reached a vote passed.

Source: the complete 1,064-row roll-call extract from BCC minutes (14 pre-term rows excluded from member totals). Rows are recorded roll calls; unanimous consent-agenda batches approved without a called roll are not individual rows. The full record is preserved as a frozen extract, so these figures can be re-derived forever without re-crawling any minutes. Current through the Official Minutes of the 08/21/2026 meeting. The Clerk has not yet published minutes for 4 later meetings (08/25/2026, 08/26/2026, 09/08/2026, 09/09/2026); their roll calls are added as the minutes post.

The record at a glance

Recorded roll calls
1,050
Nov 22, 2022 through Aug 2026
Motions that failed
2
99.8% pass rate
Unanimous or near-unanimous
972
Only 78 roll calls drew any no vote at all
No votes that changed nothing
102 of 107
95.3% of all dissents were cast on motions that passed anyway

The five-member board, Nov 2022 – Aug 2026

The board is always five seats. Three of those seats changed hands during Neunder and Smith's term: Nancy Detert died in office in 2023 and Neil Rainford was appointed to her seat (first recorded vote June 13, 2023); after the November 2024 election, Teresa Mast and Tom Knight took the seats last voted by Michael Moran and Rainford (both last recorded October 23, 2024; Mast and Knight first recorded November 19, 2024). Every vote on this page was cast on that five-member board while Neunder and Smith sat on it. Date ranges under each name are first and last recorded vote in this record.

The board today — seated since November 2024

Joe Neunder

12/13/2022 – 08/21/2026

Yes
1,018
No
14
Absent
9
Recused
4

Voted yes on 97.4% of the 1,045 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. Of their 14 no votes, 12 were on motions that passed anyway.

Mark Smith

12/13/2022 – 08/21/2026

Yes
1,014
No
29
Absent
0
Recused
0

Voted yes on 97.2% of the 1,043 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. Of their 29 no votes, 28 were on motions that passed anyway.

Ron Cutsinger

12/13/2022 – 08/21/2026

Yes
853
No
12
Absent
12
Recused
2

Voted yes on 90.6% of the 941 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. 62 additional rows list no individual vote for this member. Of their 12 no votes, 12 were on motions that passed anyway.

Teresa Mast

11/19/2024 – 08/21/2026

Yes
355
No
3
Absent
0
Recused
0

Voted yes on 95.2% of the 373 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. 15 additional rows list no individual vote for this member. Of their 3 no votes, 3 were on motions that passed anyway.

Tom Knight

11/19/2024 – 08/21/2026

Yes
318
No
16
Absent
0
Recused
0

Voted yes on 86.2% of the 369 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. 35 additional rows list no individual vote for this member. Of their 16 no votes, 14 were on motions that passed anyway.

Earlier seat-holders during the term — Nov 2022 to Nov 2024

Michael Moran

12/13/2022 – 10/23/2024

Yes
532
No
14
Absent
4
Recused
0

Voted yes on 92.5% of the 575 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. 25 additional rows list no individual vote for this member. Of their 14 no votes, 14 were on motions that passed anyway.

Neil Rainford

06/13/2023 – 10/23/2024

Yes
416
No
15
Absent
0
Recused
0

Voted yes on 92.4% of the 450 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. 19 additional rows list no individual vote for this member. Of their 15 no votes, 15 were on motions that passed anyway.

Nancy Detert

12/13/2022 – 05/24/2023

Yes
85
No
4
Absent
7
Recused
0

Voted yes on 88.5% of the 96 roll calls where a vote was recorded for them. Of their 4 no votes, 4 were on motions that passed anyway.

Footnotes. “Absent” and “recused” are counted only where the minutes say so explicitly; recusals are typically declared conflicts of interest under Fla. Stat. 112.3143 (e.g. a member's business relationship with an applicant). “No individual vote listed” rows are motions the minutes record as carried without a member-by-member breakdown; they are included in the board-level counts but not attributed to members. Nancy Detert's totals are small because she died in office in 2023, six months into this span.

What each member voted yes to enact

Spending yes-votes are split by the record's own classification: new authorizations (items originated by this board), inherited / continuing (items whose origin predates the term — ratifying or renewing prior-board commitments), and unclassified first-pass rows. Debt yes-votes are split between new issuance and refinancing / refunding of existing debt.

Yes votes by member across spending, debt, land use and tax categories
MemberNew spendingInherited spendingOther spendingNew debtDebt refiLand useTax$ enacted (tagged)
Joe Neunder10029628532825215$5.36B
Mark Smith10329728733824615$5.42B
Ron Cutsinger8322522924425113$4.14B
Michael Moran631341331711766$1.99B
Neil Rainford501041141411247$1.49B
Teresa Mast2310894123858$2.75B
Tom Knight21929073748$2.19B
Nancy Detert12221710330$233.0M

“$ enacted (tagged)” sums the stated dollar amount of passed items the member voted yes on, where the minutes state an amount — many items (especially land use) carry no stated amount, so these are floors, not totals. The new/inherited split is the record's first-pass classification and is under line-by-line review; unclassified rows are shown in “other spending” rather than guessed.

Neunder and Smith: the detailed record

Both men campaign on fiscal restraint and independence from developers. Below is what each actually voted for, to the dollar and item by item — new spending vs. spending they inherited and ratified, new borrowing vs. refinancing, and every development approval and dissent of their term.

Each also has a standalone page with his full record, millage and budget votes, and the audited spending series behind them: The Record: Joe Neunder and The Record: Mark Smith.

Joe Neunder

Voted yes on 1,018 of the 1,032 roll calls where his vote is recorded (98.6%), no on 14. His yes votes carried $5,356,224,222 in stated amounts — including every single debt vote of his term.

Dollars enacted by their yes votes, to the dollar

New authorizations (this board's own initiative)Items the record classifies as NEW — not inherited
$634,445,172
Inherited / continuing (pre-term origin, ratified by them)Renewals, continuations, and amendments of spending that began before Nov 2022
$3,220,058,255
Unclassified items with stated amountsFirst-pass rows not yet sorted new vs. inherited
$1,501,720,795
Grand total, every yes vote with a stated amount$5,356,224,222
Debt — total authorized by their yes votesA view INTO the grand total above (debt items sit inside those class rows), not an addition to it
$1,840,327,000
of which new-money debt (new borrowing)Bond and note par amounts, not annual debt service
$1,583,732,000
of which refinancing / refunding of existing debt
$256,595,000

Why this total does not tie to a CAFR line, and cannot: these are the dollar amounts stated in the 692 individual motions they voted yes on — contract values, bond par, grants, purchases — while 326 more yes votes carried no stated amount at all, including every budget-adoption and millage vote (the largest items on any agenda, recorded in the minutes without a dollar figure). The CAFR reports annual expenditures on a different accounting basis. The honest statement: the full budgets they adopted each September — rising to $1.47B by FY2026 — sit ON TOP of, not inside, this roll-call total.

Yes rates, item class by item class

  • 99.1% yes on new authorizations (spending this board originated) — 115 yes / 1 no of 116 voted.Their 1 no vote on new items is detailed in the dissent list below.
  • 99.7% yes on inherited / continuing spending (ratifying what prior boards started) — 306 yes / 1 no of 307 voted.
  • 100% yes on debt votes of every kind — 40 yes / 0 no of 40 voted.Every bond, note, and refinancing that reached a roll call got their yes.
  • 100% yes on new-money borrowing specifically — 32 yes / 0 no of 32 voted.
  • 100% yes on refinancing / refunding of existing debt — 8 yes / 0 no of 8 voted.
  • 100% yes on budget adoptions and millage votes — 15 yes / 0 no of 15 voted.Every tentative budget, final budget, and millage rate of their term.

Development record

  • 95.8% yes on all land-use and development items — 252 yes / 11 no of 263 voted.
  • 95.7% yes on rezonings specifically — 90 yes / 4 no of 94 voted.
Largest developments their yes votes approved

  • 08/27/2024tally 4-16,576 units

    DOCC Master Development Order for a Village Planned Development of up to 6,576 residential units, 120,000 sq ft office, 250,000 sq ft commercial/retail [Ordinance No. 2024-030 (Clark/Lorraine DOCC Master Development Order)]

    South of Clark Road and east of Lorraine Road, Sarasota

  • 02/21/2024tally 5-0Midtown SRQ Development of Critical Concern · 1,479 units · 113.81 acres

    Development of Critical Concern for 1,479 residential units and 20,000 sq ft of commercial uses [Midtown SRQ DOCC (Ordinance No. 2024-005)]

    2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota

  • 01/13/2026tally 5-0Sarasota National · 258 units

    Amendment No. 5 to the Sarasota National Development of Critical Concern to add 258 residential units [Ordinance No. 2025-047 (Sarasota National DOCC Amendment No. 5)]

    South of US 41 and east of Englewood Road, Venice

  • 04/09/2024tally 5-0Siesta Promenade / Stickney Point · 18 units

    Rezone from RMF-4 (18 units/acre) to BRR/PD (Boutique Resort Redevelopment/Planned Development District) [Rezone Petition No. 23-28 (Ordinance No. 2024-009)]

    1800 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota

  • 02/21/2024tally 5-0Midtown SRQ · 13 units · 113.81 acres

    Rezone from RSF-3 and RSF-4/PUD to RMF-3/PUD (13 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 23-22 (Ordinance No. 2024-006)]

    2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota

  • 09/11/2024tally 4-113 units · 9.4 acres

    Rezone ~9.4 acres from RE-1 (1 unit/2 acres) to RMF-3 (13 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 23-41 (Ordinance No. 2024-056)]

    Fronting University Parkway ~665 feet east of N. Shade Avenue, Sarasota

Every development item they voted no on (11 — 9 passed anyway)

  • 07/12/2023tally 3-2passed anyway

    Rezone from OUE-1 (Open Use Estate, 1 unit/5 acres) to RSF-1 (Residential, Single-Family, 2.5 units/acre) [23-01]

    5 units · 5 acres

  • 09/26/2023tally 3-2passed anywayMark Smith also voted no

    Special Exception for a Day Care Facility in the RSF-3 (Residential, Single-Family, 4.5 units/acre) zone district [1859]

    5 units

  • 10/10/2023tally 3-2passed anyway

    Rezone from CHI (Commercial Highway Interchange) with stipulations to CHI with amended stipulations [23-06]

  • 10/10/2023tally 3-2passed anyway

    Special Exception to allow a building height of 50 feet for a self-storage building in a CHI zone district [1869]

  • 04/09/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Amend the US 41/Beneva Road Critical Area Plan [US 41/Beneva Road Critical Area Plan (Ordinance No. 2024-015)]

    US 41/Beneva Road Critical Area Plan

  • 04/09/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Notice of Proposed Change No. 1 to the Sarasota Square DRI adding ~2.8 acres and amending/restating the DRI [Sarasota Square DRI NOPC No. 1 (Ordinance No. 2024-016)]

    Sarasota Square Development of Regional Impact · 2.8 acres

  • 04/09/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Rezone from CSC and RMH to CG (Commercial, General) [Rezone Petition No. 23-29 (Ordinance No. 2024-017)]

    Sarasota Square

  • 04/09/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Special Exception to allow bar/outdoor entertainment and dining after 10 p.m., outdoor recreation, special events, and a garden center [Special Exception Petition No. 1885 (Resolution No. 2024-061)]

    Sarasota Square

  • 02/25/2025tally 2-3 (failed); then continued 5-0did not passMark Smith also voted no

    Rezone ~548.3 acres from OUR to RSF-2/PUD (motion to approve failed 2-3; then continued) [Rezone Petition No. 24-10 (Ordinance No. 2025-002, first vote failed)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 548.3 acres

  • 03/26/2025tally 3-2passed anywayMark Smith also voted no

    Allow a Telecommunication Tower over 35-feet in height within the OUE-1 zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1896 (Resolution No. 2025-056)]

  • 07/08/2025tally 3-2 (failed, supermajority required)did not pass

    CPA from Moderate Density Residential to Commercial Highway Interchange (motion to approve FAILED; supermajority required) [Small Area CPA No. SA 2025-01 (Ordinance No. 2025-014)]

Recusals

Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 112.3143), a county commissioner may abstain only by declaring a conflict of interest and filing Form 8B stating its nature. Every one of Joe Neunder's 4 recusals was on a land-use or development item:

  • 01/15/2025tally 4-0

    Approved vacation of Right-of-Way related to Bayshore Drive

  • 12/16/2025tally 4-0 (Neunder recused)Palmer Ranch

    CPA for ~44.87 acres from MODR to Village I Commercial Center [Small Area CPA No. SA-2024-04 (Ordinance No. 2025-037)]

  • 12/16/2025tally 4-0 (Neunder recused)Palmer Ranch

    Rezone ~44.87 acres from OUE-1 to CG and ~70 acres from OUE-1 to RMF-2/PUD [Rezone Petition No. 24-20 (Ordinance No. 2025-039)]

  • 12/16/2025tally 4-0 (Neunder recused)Palmer Ranch

    Allow transient accommodation uses and height up to 85 feet within the CG zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1905]

Whether any recusal involved a campaign contributor is stated on the Form 8B he was required to file for each one — a public record held by the Clerk — and in his campaign-finance reports on the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections site. This page documents the recusals themselves; it does not assert the nature of the conflicts beyond what the minutes record.

Mark Smith

Voted yes on 1,014 of the 1,043 roll calls where his vote is recorded (97.2%), no on 29. His yes votes carried $5,417,398,899 in stated amounts — he never voted against a new authorization or a debt issue of any kind.

Dollars enacted by their yes votes, to the dollar

New authorizations (this board's own initiative)Items the record classifies as NEW — not inherited
$660,045,172
Inherited / continuing (pre-term origin, ratified by them)Renewals, continuations, and amendments of spending that began before Nov 2022
$3,253,952,932
Unclassified items with stated amountsFirst-pass rows not yet sorted new vs. inherited
$1,503,400,795
Grand total, every yes vote with a stated amount$5,417,398,899
Debt — total authorized by their yes votesA view INTO the grand total above (debt items sit inside those class rows), not an addition to it
$1,867,326,000
of which new-money debt (new borrowing)Bond and note par amounts, not annual debt service
$1,610,731,000
of which refinancing / refunding of existing debt
$256,595,000

Why this total does not tie to a CAFR line, and cannot: these are the dollar amounts stated in the 698 individual motions they voted yes on — contract values, bond par, grants, purchases — while 316 more yes votes carried no stated amount at all, including every budget-adoption and millage vote (the largest items on any agenda, recorded in the minutes without a dollar figure). The CAFR reports annual expenditures on a different accounting basis. The honest statement: the full budgets they adopted each September — rising to $1.47B by FY2026 — sit ON TOP of, not inside, this roll-call total.

Yes rates, item class by item class

  • 100% yes on new authorizations (spending this board originated) — 118 yes / 0 no of 118 voted.They never once voted against a new authorization.
  • 99.4% yes on inherited / continuing spending (ratifying what prior boards started) — 308 yes / 2 no of 310 voted.
  • 100% yes on debt votes of every kind — 41 yes / 0 no of 41 voted.Every bond, note, and refinancing that reached a roll call got their yes.
  • 100% yes on new-money borrowing specifically — 33 yes / 0 no of 33 voted.
  • 100% yes on refinancing / refunding of existing debt — 8 yes / 0 no of 8 voted.
  • 100% yes on budget adoptions and millage votes — 15 yes / 0 no of 15 voted.Every tentative budget, final budget, and millage rate of their term.

Development record

  • 91.8% yes on all land-use and development items — 246 yes / 22 no of 268 voted.
  • 88.5% yes on rezonings specifically — 85 yes / 11 no of 96 voted.
Largest developments their yes votes approved

  • 02/21/2024tally 5-0Midtown SRQ Development of Critical Concern · 1,479 units · 113.81 acres

    Development of Critical Concern for 1,479 residential units and 20,000 sq ft of commercial uses [Midtown SRQ DOCC (Ordinance No. 2024-005)]

    2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota

  • 01/13/2026tally 5-0Sarasota National · 258 units

    Amendment No. 5 to the Sarasota National Development of Critical Concern to add 258 residential units [Ordinance No. 2025-047 (Sarasota National DOCC Amendment No. 5)]

    South of US 41 and east of Englewood Road, Venice

  • 04/09/2024tally 5-0Siesta Promenade / Stickney Point · 18 units

    Rezone from RMF-4 (18 units/acre) to BRR/PD (Boutique Resort Redevelopment/Planned Development District) [Rezone Petition No. 23-28 (Ordinance No. 2024-009)]

    1800 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota

  • 02/21/2024tally 5-0Midtown SRQ · 13 units · 113.81 acres

    Rezone from RSF-3 and RSF-4/PUD to RMF-3/PUD (13 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 23-22 (Ordinance No. 2024-006)]

    2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota

  • 09/26/2023tally 5-013 units · 7.45 acres

    Rezone approximately 7.45 acres from OUE-1 (Open Use Estate, 1 unit/5 acres) to RMF-3/PUD (Residential, Multi-Family 13 units/acre/Planned Unit Development) [22-54]

    2875 East Venice Avenue, Venice

  • 12/13/2022tally 5-013 units · 5 acres

    Rezone from OUE-1 (1 unit/5 acres) to RMF-3 (13 units/acre) with a Critical Area Plan waiver [Rezone Petition No. 22-14 (Ordinance No. 2022-080)]

    Northwest quadrant of North River Road and Center Road, Venice

Every development item they voted no on (22 — 21 passed anyway)

  • 01/31/2023tally 4-1passed anyway

    Allow outdoor and indoor entertainment after 10 p.m. in the Commercial General/Siesta Key Overlay District [Special Exception Petition No. 1856]

  • 01/31/2023tally 4-1passed anyway

    Transmit CPA 2022-E; MODR to Village II Commercial Center [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2022-E (Resolution No. 2023-027, transmittal)]

    North River Marketplace · 51.52 acres

  • 09/26/2023tally 3-2passed anywayJoe Neunder also voted no

    Special Exception for a Day Care Facility in the RSF-3 (Residential, Single-Family, 4.5 units/acre) zone district [1859]

    5 units

  • 09/27/2023tally 4-1passed anyway

    Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) No. SA-2022-02 to change future land use designation of approximately 0.78 acres from Medium Density Residential (MEDR) to Regional Commercial Center [SA-2022-02]

    Siesta Promenade · 0.78 acres

  • 09/27/2023tally 4-1passed anyway

    Critical Area Plan (CAP) Amendment No. 16-01-SP (Siesta Promenade) of approximately 23.06 acres, to revise the boundaries of the Siesta Promenade Critical Area Plan [16-01-SP]

    Siesta Promenade · 23.06 acres

  • 09/27/2023tally 4-1passed anyway

    Rezone approximately 0.78 acres from Residential Multi-Family to Commercial, General (CG) zone district with amended stipulations [22-09]

    Siesta Promenade · 0.78 acres

  • 02/21/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Adopted Resolution No. 2024-032, approving Special Exception Petition No. 1870 to allow a place of worship and rural retreat for property at 6289 Verna Road, Myakka City

  • 07/10/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    CPA from MODR to MEDR [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2023-07 (Ordinance No. 2024-039)]

    0.73 acres

  • 08/27/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    DOCC Master Development Order for a Village Planned Development of up to 6,576 residential units, 120,000 sq ft office, 250,000 sq ft commercial/retail [Ordinance No. 2024-030 (Clark/Lorraine DOCC Master Development Order)]

    6,576 units

  • 08/27/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    Rezone from OUE-1 and OUR to Village Planned Development (VPD) [Rezone Petition No. 23-25 (Ordinance No. 2024-031)]

  • 08/28/2024tally 3-2passed anyway

    Rezone ~1.46 acres from Commercial Shopping Center to Commercial, General [Rezone Petition No. 23-31 (Ordinance No. 2024-033)]

    1.46 acres

  • 09/11/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    CPA from Light Office and LDR to OFF/MF [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2023-10 (Ordinance No. 2024-054)]

    9.4 acres

  • 09/11/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    Rezone ~9.4 acres from RE-1 (1 unit/2 acres) to RMF-3 (13 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 23-41 (Ordinance No. 2024-056)]

    13 units · 9.4 acres

  • 10/22/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    CPA from LDR (Low Density Residential) to LTOFF (Light Office) [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2022-04 (Ordinance No. 2024-061)]

    2.26 acres

  • 10/22/2024tally 4-1passed anyway

    Rezone ~6.17 acres from OPI/PD with stipulations and RE-1 to OPI/PD with amended stipulations [Rezone Petition No. 22-13 (Ordinance No. 2024-063)]

    6.17 acres

  • 01/28/2025tally 3-2passed anyway

    Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~345.6 acres) [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-079, ~345.6 acres)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 345.6 acres

  • 01/28/2025tally 3-2passed anyway

    Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~874.4 acres); OUR to RSF-2/PUD [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-080, ~874.4 acres)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 874.4 acres

  • 01/28/2025tally 3-2passed anyway

    Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~526.1 acres) [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-081, ~526.1 acres)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 526.1 acres

  • 01/28/2025tally 3-2passed anyway

    Approve Rezone Petition No. 24-08 [Rezone Petition No. 24-08 (Ordinance No. 2024-082)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy

  • 02/25/2025tally 2-3 (failed); then continued 5-0did not passJoe Neunder also voted no

    Rezone ~548.3 acres from OUR to RSF-2/PUD (motion to approve failed 2-3; then continued) [Rezone Petition No. 24-10 (Ordinance No. 2025-002, first vote failed)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 548.3 acres

  • 03/26/2025tally 3-2passed anywayJoe Neunder also voted no

    Allow a Telecommunication Tower over 35-feet in height within the OUE-1 zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1896 (Resolution No. 2025-056)]

  • 05/06/2025tally 4-1passed anyway

    Rezone ~548.3 acres from OUR to RSF-2/PUD (3.5 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 24-10 (Ordinance No. 2025-002)]

    Fruitville / University Pkwy · 5 units · 548.3 acres

Recusals

Mark Smith never recused from a vote in this record. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 112.3143) a county commissioner must vote unless they declare a conflict of interest — so zero recusals means zero declared conflicts, not zero relationships.

What they voted on, by category

All 1,050 roll calls, grouped by the record's category and a keyword sub-category, with the largest items in each group described from the minutes themselves.

Spending & appropriations691 votes · $3.45B tagged

Public safety258 · $1.10B

  • 08/27/2024 $168,583,479 — 40: Ratified warrants dated June 24 through August 9, 2024 (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 $115,470,083 — 45: To ratify and approve the Warrants dated May 18, 2026 through May 19, 2026, in the amount of $115,470,082.72, as detailed in the voucher packages filed in the Finance Department. (Consent Items 2 through 46, moved by Knight, seconded by Smith) (5-0)
  • 12/16/2025 $98,731,897 — 37: To ratify and approve the Warrants dated November 3 through November 28, 2025 in the amount of $98,731,897.34 (5-0)

Contracts & procurement118 · $737.9M

  • 02/11/2025 $210,094,000 — 22.C: Resolution No. 2025-028, Budget Amendment No. B2025-025, appropriating $210,094,000.00 for 2024 storms CDBG-DR allocation (5-0)
  • 05/09/2023 $129,168,036 — 28: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-092, Budget Amendment No. B2023-031 (4-0)
  • 01/31/2023 $75,105,000 — 27.C - GENERAL SERVICES - Budget Amendment for Bond Issuance: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-022, Budget Amendment No. B2023-011 for bond issuance and general revenue appropriation (5-0)

Parks & recreation98 · $232.5M

  • 12/16/2025 $60,214,037 — 57B: To approve and authorize the County Administrator to execute Amendment No. 3 to Contract No. SR 2221 with P.J. Hayes, Inc. dba Tandem Construction to increase the Owner Contingency amount for 17th Street Regional Park increasing not to exceed from $58,214,037.06 to $60,214,037.06 (5-0)
  • 12/12/2023 $36,776,491 — 29.A: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-292, Budget Amendment No. B2024-010, amending the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget to appropriate additional funding for the 17th Street Regional Park, in the amount of $36,776,491.00 (5-0)
  • 08/27/2025 $15,000,000 — 10.C: Budget Amendment No. B2025-063, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to appropriate funding for the Manasota Beach Road Extension (West), CIP Project No. 95892 (5-0)

Other appropriations64 · $791.2M

  • 08/26/2025 $199,908,530 — 36: Ratify and approve Warrants dated June 23 through August 8, 2025 (5-0)
  • 10/21/2025 $133,249,391 — 19: Ratify and approve Warrants dated September 22 through October 3, 2025 (5-0)
  • 06/17/2026 $91,790,354 — 5: Adopt Resolution, Budget Amendment B2026-070, amending the FY2026 Budget to appropriate funding for disaster related projects, in the amount of $91,790,354 (moved by Knight, seconded by Smith) (5-0)

Arts, culture & libraries48 · $122.4M

  • 02/10/2026 $21,360,037 — 28B: Adopt Budget Amendment No. B2026-029 for Stickney Point Road Property NPP Land Acquisition and Start-Up Project (4-1)
  • 05/06/2025 $16,048,900 — 4.B: To adopt a resolution, Budget Amendment No. B2025-039, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to appropriate funding for the Capital Improvement Program Project No. 85675 - Camp Venice Property NPP and ESLPP Land Acquisition and Start-Up Project (5-0)
  • 04/23/2024 $10,000,000 — 26.B: Approve Expenditure Authorization Form and authorize County Administrator to approve purchase with Rehrig Pacific Company for residential garbage carts (5-0)

Roads & transportation40 · $129.3M

  • 07/10/2024 $15,800,000 — 11. PUBLIC WORKS - Budget Amendment No. B2024-021 for Laurel Road Widening: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-136, Budget Amendment No. B2024-021, amending FY 2024 Budget to appropriate FDOT Grant and City of Venice Mobility Fees for Laurel Road widening in the amount of $15,800,000.00 (5-0)
  • 05/19/2026 $14,623,001 — 33: Adopt resolutions and approve State Funded Grant Agreement with FDOT for Lorraine Road Segment C Phase 1 and adopt Budget Amendment B2026-047 (5-0)
  • 11/28/2023 $12,000,000 — 10.B: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-260, authorize Contract No. 2024-093 for purchase of properties at 4440, 4466 Fruitville Road and 4460, 4466 Garrison Street from CAN Community Health, Inc. (4-0)

Utilities & stormwater25 · $147.4M

  • 09/09/2025 $69,945,570 — 30.B: Budget Amendment No. B2025-060, appropriating additional funding for Venice Gardens Water Reclamation Facility Expansion project (5-0)
  • 11/18/2025 $30,000,000 — 40: To select and approve applications for dredging of Major Waterways within the Resilient SRQ Infrastructure Program, up to program cap of $30 million (5-0)
  • 07/08/2025 $10,000,000 — Item 58: To adopt Budget Amendment No. B2025-056 for Stormwater Systemwide Infrastructure Maintenance, Repair, and Restoration (5-0)

Grants (accept / award)21 · $120.4M

  • 10/22/2024 $23,614,203 — 34: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-206, Budget Amendment No. B2025-004, amending Fiscal Year 2025 Budget with supplemental appropriations, revenue adjustments, grants, interest income, debt proceeds, miscellaneous revenue and transfers in amount of $23,614,203.00 (5-0)
  • 05/06/2025 $16,931,872 — 23: To adopt a resolution, Budget Amendment No. B2025-038, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to incorporate various supplemental appropriations, revenue adjustments, grants, interest income, debt proceeds, miscellaneous revenue, and transfers (5-0)
  • 05/05/2026 $16,835,969 — 20: Adopt Budget Amendment No. B2026-048 for supplemental appropriations and adjustments (5-0)

Pay & compensation7 · $1.50M

  • 07/07/2026 $687,000 — 12: To approve and authorize the County Administrator, or designee, to execute an Agreement with Commercial Risk Management, Inc. for workers' compensation third party administrator services for a three-year period, in a total amount not to exceed $686,999.88 for the administrative services as set forth in the Agreement, p (5-0)
  • 03/24/2026 $275,000 — 6: To approve a Workers' Compensation claim settlement in the amount of $275,000.00 in the case of Matthew Crawford, for workers' compensation-related injuries that occurred on November 11, 2017 (5-0)
  • 01/30/2024 $175,000 — 8. HUMAN RESOURCES: Approved a Workers Compensation Lump Sum Settlement in the amount of $175,000.00 in the case of former employee Kimberly Hoag-Williams, for an injury claim that occurred on April 8, 1989 (5-0)

Housing6 · $71.19M

  • 01/13/2026 $30,000,000 — 43: Approve allocation of funding for Resilient SRQ Multifamily Affordable Housing program (5-0)
  • 07/10/2024 $28,281,908 — 13. OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - Resilient SRQ Housing Recovery Program: Approved full amount requested from participant Nos. 1, 3, 9, 11, 13 for a total of $28,281,908.00 (5-0)
  • 09/10/2024 $11,002,500 — 45: Approved awarding $1,010,000.00 to Community Housing Trust and $9,992,500.00 to Lincoln Avenue Communities from Resilient SRQ Program (5-0)

Budget adoption / amendment6

  • 09/24/2025 — 2.B: Adopt Section 1 and Section 2 of the Final County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, as presented in Resolution No. 2025-163 (3-1)
  • 09/10/2025 — 2.F: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-161 adopting Tentative Budget for Section 1 and Section 2 of the Sarasota County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (4-1)
  • 09/30/2024 — 2.B: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-144 relating to the Final Budget for Section 1 of the County Budget and the Final Budget for Section 2 of the County Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (5-0)
Land use & development272 votes · $107.0M tagged

Rezoning201

  • 03/24/2026 — 34: Allow a Telecommunication Tower over 35 feet in height within the OUE-1 zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1918] (5-0)
  • 03/24/2026 — 33: Rezone from PCD to GU zone district [Rezone Petition No. 25-17 (Ordinance No. 2026-005)] (5-0)
  • 01/27/2026 — 38: Transmit CPA from Semi-Rural and Rural to Moderate Density Residential (petitioner allowed to withdraw) [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2025-C (South River Road)] (5-0 (withdrawal allowed))

Other land use & development62 · $107.0M

  • 01/27/2026 $21,600,000 — 6: To adopt a resolution authorizing execution of a contract for sale and purchase with 4480 Fruitville, LLC for the purchase of the Medical Examiner facilities located at 4510 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232, PID #00450400014 in the amount of $21,600,000.00 (5-0)
  • 02/10/2026 $18,100,000 — 28C: Authorize acquisition of approximately 2.04 acres at 1500 Stickney Point Road for $18,100,000.00 (4-1)
  • 05/06/2025 $14,000,000 — 4.C: To adopt a resolution authorizing the acquisition of approximately 20.83 acres of real property located at 4085 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL from Camp Venice, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, in the amount of $14,000,000.00 (5-0)

Special exception / variance4

  • 07/07/2026 — 57: (Public hearing) To adopt a resolution approving Special Exception Petition No. 1925, to allow a cemetery of less than 40 acres in an OUE-1 zone district, for property located at 2401 Englewood Road, Englewood. (moved by Neunder, seconded by Smith) (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 — 56: (Public hearing) To adopt a resolution, approving Special Exception Petition No. 1924, to allow a Place of Worship for a property located at 2415 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice in an OUE-1 zone district. (moved by Neunder, seconded by Knight) (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 — 27: To adopt a resolution denying Myakka River Variance No. EP-LOD-26-00001 and Water and Navigation Control Authority Application No. EP-WNCA-25-00345 for a retaining wall at the Lazy River Village Marina adjacent to Island Point Road, North Port. (Consent Items 2 through 46, moved by Knight, seconded by Smith) (5-0)

Plat / subdivision3

  • 07/07/2026 — 30: To adopt a resolution approving Plat Vacation No. PV26-08, vacating the County's interest in a sixty (60) square-foot portion of a platted variable-width building restriction easement located at the rear of Lot 15, Lakehouse Cove at Waterside Phase 3, as recorded in Plat Book 53, Pages 16-26, Public Records of Sarasota (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 — 26B: To approve, accept, and authorize execution of a Conservation Easement from the Preserve at Misty Creek Homeowners Association, Inc. to preserve, in its natural condition, a portion of unplatted land with Parcel Identification Number 0270001020, adjacent to Tract 25 in the plat for the Preserve at Misty Creek Eagles Wa (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 — 26A: To approve, accept, and authorize execution of a Conservation Easement from the Preserve at Misty Creek Homeowners Association, Inc., specifying restrictions more consistent with open space uses for preservation and maintenance of a parcel of land labeled “Conservation Area” and formally identified as Tract 17 in the p (5-0)

Comprehensive-plan amendment2

  • 07/08/2026 — 14: Cutsinger moved to approve Item 14 A., B., D., and E., as presented with the stipulation to add the words non-residential. [Item 14 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: A. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-034, approving Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2025-02 on approximately 2.3 acres for propert (5-0)
  • 07/08/2026 — 14: A. (Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-034, approving Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2025-02 on approximately 2.3 acres for property located south of West Dearborn Street, east of Old Englewood Road, southwest of West Green Street, Englewood, from Moderate Density Residential to Commercial Center (5-0)
Debt (bonds, notes, refinancing)42 votes · $1.89B tagged

New debt issuance32 · $1.60B

  • 10/10/2023 $400,000,000 — 4.A: Adopted Resolution No. 2023-218, declaring the results of the November 8, 2022, Referendum Election seeking authorization for the continuation of the County's Infrastructure Sales Surtax and seeking authorization to issue Bonds payable in an aggregate amount not-to-exceed $400,000,000.00 (5-0)
  • 04/07/2026 $250,000,000 — 26: Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-008 for referenda election relating to extension of Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program 0.25 mill ad valorem tax for additional twenty-year period and bond referendum for issuance of bonds not-to-exceed $250,000,000.00 (5-0)
  • 03/24/2026 $250,000,000 — 11: To authorize the advertisement of a public hearing on an ordinance for a referenda election relating to the extension of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Parkland Program 0.25 mill ad valorem tax for an additional twenty-year period and further relating to a bond referendum for the issuance of bonds in an aggreg (5-0)

Debt refinance / refunding10 · $289.6M

  • 09/09/2025 $213,000,000 — 30.A: Adopt resolution relating to issuance of Utility System Revenue Bonds Series 2025 and Refunding Bonds Series 2026 (5-0)
  • 07/07/2026 $30,000,000 — 15: To adopt a resolution relating to the issuance of the County's Communication Services Tax Revenue Bond, Series 2026, in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00, to finance the construction of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Addition, to refinance a loan of the County's Pooled Commercial Paper loans, an (5-0)
  • 01/10/2024 $20,000,000 — 37.B & 37.C: Adopt Resolution No. 2024-011 and Resolution No. 2024-012 relating to issuance of Tourist Development Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2024A (5-0)
Other board actions30 votes · $12.00M tagged

Other board action30 · $12.00M

  • 07/10/2024 $12,000,000 — 13. OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - Resilient SRQ Housing Recovery Program Remaining Funds Direction: Requested that County Administrator bring back options to appropriate remaining approximately $12,000,000.00 into infrastructure or affordable housing, qualification of funding to Fire Station 27, and funding clarifications from HUD (4-1)
  • 08/21/2026 — 7: Smith moved to have the County Attorney's Office review the major project rights of Surtax 4 and ensure that we are in compliance with our UDC and Comp Plan. [Item 7 CAPITAL PROJECTS: Surtax 4 Re-review.] (5-0)
  • 07/08/2026 — 13: Mast moved to have Staff bring back all 12 Agreements, so that we can have further understanding of language, origin and any obligations as soon as possible. [Item 13 TRANSPORTATION: To consider a presentation on the status and conditions of County-owned and maintained walls and fences.] (5-0)
Tax & millage15 votes

Millage rate14

  • 07/07/2026 — 47: To adopt a resolution certifying the proposed ad valorem tax millage rates for the Fiscal Year 2027. (moved by Smith, seconded by Neunder) (5-0)
  • 09/24/2025 — 2.A: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-162 relating to the Final Countywide Millage Rate and Final Millage Rates for Ad Valorem districts for Fiscal Year 2026 (4-0)
  • 09/10/2025 — 2.E: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-160 relating to the Proposed Countywide Millage Rate and proposed Millage Rates for Ad Valorem Districts for Fiscal Year 2026 (5-0)

Other tax action1

  • 07/07/2026 — 51: A. (Public hearing) To adopt a resolution granting an ad valorem tax exemption for a historic property located at 5546 Avenida del Mare, Sarasota; B. (Public hearing) To approve a historic preservation tax exemption covenant for a historic property located at 5546 Avenida del Mare, Sarasota. (moved by Mast, seconded by (5-0)

Sub-categories are keyword first-pass tags over the minutes text; the three largest tagged items are shown per group. Dollar figures sum only items with a stated amount that passed. Spending (691 votes) and debt (42 votes) together carry $5.34B in stated amounts.

Every no vote, in full

107 no votes were cast across 78 roll calls in almost four years. Here is each one: who dissented, what the item was, and whether the motion passed anyway.

12/13/2022 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Michael Moran + Ron Cutsinger voted no (3-2)

49: Allow a medical marijuana dispensary in a CSC zone [Special Exception Petition No. 1841 (Resolution No. 2022-264)]

Passed anyway

01/18/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Nancy Detert voted no (4-1)

50A: Transmit CPA 2022-G to the state; Office/Multi-Family Residential to Commercial Center [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2022-G (Resolution No. 2023-010, transmittal)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

01/18/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Nancy Detert voted no (4-1)

50D: Rezone from RMF-3 (13 units/acre) to RMF-3/PUD [Rezone Petition No. 22-35 (Ordinance No. 2022-086)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

01/31/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

48: Allow outdoor and indoor entertainment after 10 p.m. in the Commercial General/Siesta Key Overlay District [Special Exception Petition No. 1856]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

01/31/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

50A: Transmit CPA 2022-E; MODR to Village II Commercial Center [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2022-E (Resolution No. 2023-027, transmittal)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

03/21/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Nancy Detert voted no (4-1)

33A: CPA from MODR to MEDR [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2022-15 (Ordinance No. 2023-006)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

03/21/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Nancy Detert voted no (4-1)

33B: Rezone from RC (Residential Combination) to RMF-2 (9 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 22-44 (Ordinance No. 2023-003)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

04/25/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Parks & recreation

Michael Moran voted no (3-1)

20. ADMINISTRATION: Approved the FY 2024 Tax Increment Financing Payment to The Bay Park Conservancy.

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

05/09/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement

Michael Moran voted no (3-1)

41: Approved Contract No. 2023-314, Economic Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Agreement

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/11/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

64: Rezone from OUE-1 (Open Use Estate, 1 unit/5 acres) to RMF-3 (Residential, Multi-Family, 13 units/acre) [23-05]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

10A: Rezone from CM/PD (Commercial Marine/Planned Development) and CG (Commercial General) with stipulations to CM/PD and CG zone districts with amended stipulations [22-45]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

10B: Special Exception to allow transient accommodations in the CM/PD zone district [1861]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Michael Moran voted no (3-2)

9: Rezone from OUE-1 (Open Use Estate, 1 unit/5 acres) to RSF-1 (Residential, Single-Family, 2.5 units/acre) [23-01]

Passed anyway

09/26/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations

Michael Moran voted no (4-1)

48.A - HSAC Early Learning Coalition: Moved forward the HSAC Early Learning Coalition

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/26/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Mark Smith voted no (3-2)

55: Special Exception for a Day Care Facility in the RSF-3 (Residential, Single-Family, 4.5 units/acre) zone district [1859]

Passed anyway

09/27/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

10A: Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) No. SA-2022-02 to change future land use designation of approximately 0.78 acres from Medium Density Residential (MEDR) to Regional Commercial Center [SA-2022-02]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/27/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

10B: Critical Area Plan (CAP) Amendment No. 16-01-SP (Siesta Promenade) of approximately 23.06 acres, to revise the boundaries of the Siesta Promenade Critical Area Plan [16-01-SP]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/27/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

10D: Rezone approximately 0.78 acres from Residential Multi-Family to Commercial, General (CG) zone district with amended stipulations [22-09]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/10/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

41A: Rezone from CHI (Commercial Highway Interchange) with stipulations to CHI with amended stipulations [23-06]

Passed anyway

10/10/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

41B: Special Exception to allow a building height of 50 feet for a self-storage building in a CHI zone district [1869]

Passed anyway

10/24/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Parks & recreation · $273,500

Michael Moran voted no (4-1)

32. PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES: Approved Contract No. 2024-055 with Arts and Cultural Alliance for grant oversight and Cultural/Arts Tourism Programs

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/24/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations · $652,303

Michael Moran + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

54. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Approved funding recommendations of BHAC for Community Assisted and Supported Living, Inc. for FY 2024

Passed anyway

12/12/2023 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations · $176,000

Michael Moran + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

39: Approved the allocation of the remaining $176,000.00 funds from the Human Services Advisory Council to the Continuum of Care/Community Service Information System

Passed anyway

12/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

44A: Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) No. SA-2023-02 to change the Future Land Use designation of approximately 3.09 acres from MODR (Moderate Density, Residential) to OFF/MF (Office, Multi-Family) [SA-2023-02]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

12/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

44B: Rezone approximately 3.09 acres from RSF-1 (Residential, Single-Family, 2.5 units/acre), CN (Commercial Neighborhood), and OPI (Office, Professional and Institutional) to OPI zone district [23-16]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

12/12/2023 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

44C: Waiver to the S.R. 776 Corridor Plan Condition of Development Approval 16.D to waive the requirement that a property be commercial use or designated as commercial, to allow the use of a Self-Service Storage Facility

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

02/21/2024 · Land use & development · Special exception / variance

Mark Smith + Michael Moran voted no (3-2)

44: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-032, approving Special Exception Petition No. 1870 to allow a place of worship and rural retreat for property at 6289 Verna Road, Myakka City

Passed anyway

03/05/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement

Neil Rainford voted no (4-1)

27B: Approved Contract No. 2024-210 and authorized the Chair or Vice Chair to execute a Franchise Agreement with FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC, for solid waste services in South District for a seven-year period

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

04/09/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Parks & recreation · $200,000

Mark Smith + Michael Moran + Neil Rainford + Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

34: Denied proposed Resolution, Budget Amendment No. B2024-026, amending FY 2024 Budget to appropriate funding for City of Venice Heckscher Park Pickleball Courts

Passed anyway

04/09/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

47C: Amend the US 41/Beneva Road Critical Area Plan [US 41/Beneva Road Critical Area Plan (Ordinance No. 2024-015)]

Passed anyway

04/09/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

47D: Notice of Proposed Change No. 1 to the Sarasota Square DRI adding ~2.8 acres and amending/restating the DRI [Sarasota Square DRI NOPC No. 1 (Ordinance No. 2024-016)]

Passed anyway

04/09/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

47E: Rezone from CSC and RMH to CG (Commercial, General) [Rezone Petition No. 23-29 (Ordinance No. 2024-017)]

Passed anyway

04/09/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

47F: Special Exception to allow bar/outdoor entertainment and dining after 10 p.m., outdoor recreation, special events, and a garden center [Special Exception Petition No. 1885 (Resolution No. 2024-061)]

Passed anyway

04/23/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations · $1,031,000

Michael Moran voted no (4-1)

18: Approve $1,031,000 deposit to Tax Increment Finance funding as recommended by Staff

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

05/07/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Neil Rainford voted no (4-1)

33: Transmit CPA amending Map 7-3 from Public Conservation/Preservation to Major Government Uses [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2023-B (Resolution No. 2024-082, transmittal)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

05/07/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Neil Rainford voted no (4-1)

47: Special Exception to allow Outdoor Recreation and Special Events within the CG/MSOD zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1879 (Resolution No. 2024-083)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

06/05/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

6.A: Approved the HSAC funding spreadsheet as presented

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/09/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Michael Moran voted no (4-1)

66: Rezone 0.44 acres from RSF-1 (2.5 units/acre) to RSF-1/RCTOD [Rezone Petition No. 24-01 (Ordinance No. 2024-042)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/10/2024 · Other board actions · Other board action · $12,000,000

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

13. OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - Resilient SRQ Housing Recovery Program Remaining Funds Direction: Requested that County Administrator bring back options to appropriate remaining approximately $12,000,000.00 into infrastructure or affordable housing, qualification of funding to Fire Station 27, and funding clarifications from HUD

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/10/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Ron Cutsinger voted no (3-2)

14A: CPA from MODR to MEDR [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2023-07 (Ordinance No. 2024-039)]

Passed anyway

08/27/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Neil Rainford voted no (4-1)

45: Adopt CPA amending Map 7-3 from Public Conservation/Preservation to Major Government Uses [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. 2023-B (Ordinance No. 2024-019, adoption)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

08/27/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

60A: DOCC Master Development Order for a Village Planned Development of up to 6,576 residential units, 120,000 sq ft office, 250,000 sq ft commercial/retail [Ordinance No. 2024-030 (Clark/Lorraine DOCC Master Development Order)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

08/27/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

60B: Rezone from OUE-1 and OUR to Village Planned Development (VPD) [Rezone Petition No. 23-25 (Ordinance No. 2024-031)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

08/28/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

8: Rezone ~1.46 acres from Commercial Shopping Center to Commercial, General [Rezone Petition No. 23-31 (Ordinance No. 2024-033)]

Passed anyway

09/10/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement · $15,000,000

Joe Neunder + Ron Cutsinger voted no (3-2)

46: Approved awarding $7,500,000.00 to School Board of Sarasota County and $7,500,000.00 to Building Industry Institute for Economic Recovery Workforce Development Program

Passed anyway

09/11/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

8A: CPA from Light Office and LDR to OFF/MF [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2023-10 (Ordinance No. 2024-054)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/11/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

8D: Rezone ~9.4 acres from RE-1 (1 unit/2 acres) to RMF-3 (13 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 23-41 (Ordinance No. 2024-056)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/22/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations · $300,000

Michael Moran + Neil Rainford voted no (3-2)

41C: Approved $300,000.00 funding request for the Early Learning Coalition

Passed anyway

10/22/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Parks & recreation

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

50B: Approved reallocation of CDBG-DR funds from construction to property acquisition for Ekos at Arbor Park II application, to include Subrecipient Agreement

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/22/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

52A: CPA from LDR (Low Density Residential) to LTOFF (Light Office) [Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. SA-2022-04 (Ordinance No. 2024-061)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/22/2024 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

52D: Rezone ~6.17 acres from OPI/PD with stipulations and RE-1 to OPI/PD with amended stipulations [Rezone Petition No. 22-13 (Ordinance No. 2024-063)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

10/23/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement · $7,500,000

Joe Neunder + Ron Cutsinger voted no (3-2)

6: Approved the proposed principles and terms of the Resilient SRQ Subrecipient Agreement and award of $7,500,000.00 to the Building Industry Institute, Inc., Economic Recovery Project

Passed anyway

10/23/2024 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations · $49,612

Michael Moran voted no (4-1)

7: Adopted Resolution No. 2024-216 relating to Pluris appellate and remand rate case expense ($49,612.13) amortized over four years

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

01/28/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Tom Knight voted no (3-2)

50.A: Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~345.6 acres) [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-079, ~345.6 acres)]

Passed anyway

01/28/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Tom Knight voted no (3-2)

50.B: Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~874.4 acres); OUR to RSF-2/PUD [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-080, ~874.4 acres)]

Passed anyway

01/28/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Tom Knight voted no (3-2)

50.C: Approve Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (~526.1 acres) [Rezone Petition No. 23-21 (Ordinance No. 2024-081, ~526.1 acres)]

Passed anyway

01/28/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith + Tom Knight voted no (3-2)

51: Approve Rezone Petition No. 24-08 [Rezone Petition No. 24-08 (Ordinance No. 2024-082)]

Passed anyway

02/25/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Mark Smith + Tom Knight voted no (2-3 (failed); then continued 5-0)

36: Rezone ~548.3 acres from OUR to RSF-2/PUD (motion to approve failed 2-3; then continued) [Rezone Petition No. 24-10 (Ordinance No. 2025-002, first vote failed)]

Motion failed

03/26/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement

Teresa Mast voted no (4-1)

24: Approved Contract No. 2025-345 with the United Way South Sarasota County for Hurricane Debby disaster recovery

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

03/26/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement

Teresa Mast voted no (4-1)

24: Approved Contract No. 2025-346 with the United Way South Sarasota County for Hurricane Helene disaster recovery

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

03/26/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Contracts & procurement

Teresa Mast voted no (4-1)

24: Approved Contract No. 2025-347 with the United Way South Sarasota County for Hurricane Milton disaster recovery

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

03/26/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Mark Smith voted no (3-2)

29: Allow a Telecommunication Tower over 35-feet in height within the OUE-1 zone district [Special Exception Petition No. 1896 (Resolution No. 2025-056)]

Passed anyway

04/08/2025 · Land use & development · Other land use & development · $511,000

Ron Cutsinger voted no (4-1)

8.B: Adopted Resolution No. 2025-062, and approved Contract No. 2025-357, the sale of County property located at 1710 Vamo Drive, Sarasota, FL, Parcel Identification Number 0130150002, in the amount of $511,000.00 to Iandrew Starnes and James R. Starnes

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

04/22/2025 · Debt (bonds, notes, refinancing) · New debt issuance · $37,000,000

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

6: To adopt a resolution relating to the issuance of the County's Infrastructure Sales Surtax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, in an amount not to exceed $37,000,000.00

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

04/22/2025 · Debt (bonds, notes, refinancing) · New debt issuance · $29,710,000

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

7: To adopt a Resolution relating to the issuance of the County's Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A, in an amount not to exceed $29,710,000.00

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

04/22/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Arts, culture & libraries · $4,934,025

Joe Neunder + Tom Knight voted no (3-2)

39.B: To adopt a resolution, Budget Amendment No. B2025-032, amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to appropriate funding to Capital Improvement Program Project No. 83340, 2100 Main Street Property Purchase ($4,870,000.00) and Operating Impacts ($64,025.00) in the amount of $4,934,025.00

Passed anyway

05/06/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

37: Rezone ~548.3 acres from OUR to RSF-2/PUD (3.5 units/acre) [Rezone Petition No. 24-10 (Ordinance No. 2025-002)]

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/08/2025 · Land use & development · Rezoning

Joe Neunder + Tom Knight voted no (3-2 (failed, supermajority required))

73.A: CPA from Moderate Density Residential to Commercial Highway Interchange (motion to approve FAILED; supermajority required) [Small Area CPA No. SA 2025-01 (Ordinance No. 2025-014)]

Motion failed

09/10/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Budget adoption / amendment

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

2.F: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-161 adopting Tentative Budget for Section 1 and Section 2 of the Sarasota County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/24/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Budget adoption / amendment

Tom Knight voted no (3-1)

2.B: Adopt Section 1 and Section 2 of the Final County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, as presented in Resolution No. 2025-163

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/24/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations

Tom Knight voted no (3-1)

2.E: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-164 relating to the Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

09/24/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations

Tom Knight voted no (3-1)

2.F: Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-023 approving the updates to the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2030

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

11/05/2025 · Other board actions · Other board action

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

32: Approve Coastal Setback Variance No. 79-03-25-608 for construction of new single-family residence and accessory structures at 162 Beach Road, Siesta Key

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

11/18/2025 · Other board actions · Other board action

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

42: To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-040 amending Chapter 130, Articles II and III of the Sarasota County Code, related to motorboat restrictions at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, and to move forward with idle speed, no wake zone as presented

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

12/16/2025 · Spending & appropriations · Other appropriations

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

44: Motion for a Budget Amendment for the amount that the Property Appraiser is looking for to be brought back in January

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

02/10/2026 · Spending & appropriations · Arts, culture & libraries · $21,360,037

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

28B: Adopt Budget Amendment No. B2026-029 for Stickney Point Road Property NPP Land Acquisition and Start-Up Project

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

02/10/2026 · Land use & development · Other land use & development · $18,100,000

Tom Knight voted no (4-1)

28C: Authorize acquisition of approximately 2.04 acres at 1500 Stickney Point Road for $18,100,000.00

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

07/07/2026 · Other board actions · Other board action

Mark Smith voted no (4-1)

61: Knight moved to accept moving the proposed amendment to the settlement agreement release with the County moving forward with the exchange of properties with the agreement of Mr. Holderness of $400,000.00 and the swapping of the land. [Item 61 COUNTY ATTORNEY: A. Results of Wallace v. Sarasota County, Case No. 2025 CA 3265 NC; B. To consider Plaintiff’s proposed amendment to the Settlement Agreemen

Passed anyway · lone dissent (mathematically could not change the outcome)

The odds: what the no votes were worth

A reasonable question about any board that passes 99.8% of everything: when a member votes no, does it mean anything? Three measurable facts:

1. On a five-member board, a lone no can never change an outcome.

A 4–1 motion passes exactly as a 5–0 does. 52 of the 78 dissent roll calls were lone dissents — votes that were mathematically incapable of altering the result, whatever their motive. Every one of those motions passed.

2. 95.3% of all no votes were cast on motions that passed anyway.

102 of 107 no votes changed nothing. Only 2 motions failed in the entire span, and only 24 roll calls were 3–2 — the sole configuration where one more no would have flipped the result. A no vote on this board carried consequence roughly 24 times in 1,050 votes.

3. The turn-taking hypothesis, tested honestly.

If members were rotating dissents (“you take this one, I'll take the next”), their no votes would avoid landing on the same motions — observed co-dissents would fall below what independence predicts. The record shows the opposite: with each member's no votes spread randomly over the motions both sat for, independence predicts about 4.7 co-dissents; the record contains 33. Dissents cluster on the same few contentious items rather than rotating. So the data does not support organized turn-taking — what it does support is simpler: dissent on this board is almost always cost-free when it happens, because 95.3% of no votes landed on motions that passed regardless. Whether any individual no was conviction or positioning, the record cannot say; what it can say is that the no votes, taken together, stopped almost nothing.

Method: expected co-dissents are the hypergeometric mean n₁×n₂/N over each pair's shared motions, summed across all pairs with recorded no votes. This tests correlation, not intent; a cluster of shared no votes is equally consistent with genuine shared opposition on contentious items. The claim made here is deliberately the weaker, defensible one: dissent almost never determined an outcome.

The record itself

Every figure on this page is computed from a single frozen extract of the BCC minutes — all 1,064 recorded roll calls, 12/13/2022 through 08/21/2026, including each member's vote, the motion text, stated amounts, minutes references, and classification notes. The extract is preserved so this analysis never depends on re-crawling anything; the underlying minutes are available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court's published records.