Friends gift land to Sarasota County

The site of a new $7.5 million library in Sarasota County has grown a half-acre.

The Friends of Gulf Gate Library gifted a 25,000 square foot property across the street from the new Gulf Gate Library to the county, which commissioners accepted during a Dec. 11 regular meeting.

The property was purchased for $275,000 earlier this year. The county already conducted the first phase of environmental studies on the parcel, which will be used as overflow parking, said Sarasota County Libraries Director during a Dec. 10 interview with the Observer.

Kalajian said the Gulf Gate Library will be one of the busiest libraries in the system when it opens.

"It couldn't come at a better time, and it's incredible," said Commissioner Nora Patterson of the gift before moving to accept the parcel of land.