Commissioners appoint Stultz to Planning Board

Sarasota County commissioners appointed a Venice resident and member of the building industry to the county’s planning board Tuesday, echoing the growing influence of south county growth patterns.

“If you live in the area that’s being affected, you need to make sure good decisions are being made,” said Halfacre Construction Vice President Andy Stultz, who was unanimously chosen to replace Planning Commissioner Bob Burrus.

Stultz joins eight fellow planning commissioners and a non-voting school board representative who will be vetting intensive staff reports on the various areas of the comprehensive plan slated for review. As the advisory board to the County Commission, the board will offer recommendations on potential changes to the plan, and continue its role overseeing development approvals.

In a previous interview with the Sarasota Observer, Stultz said he wants to make sure business interests are represented on the board, as well as environmental concerns.

“These are all things that are going to affect my community, and I want all of Sarasota County to develop so that it’s balanced,” Stultz said. “There’s a reason why we all moved here and stay here — that’s the natural beauty.”