City finds no evidence of Save Our Seabirds claims

Since July, Save Our Seabirds has had five unannounced inspections in addition to a mold inspection after the Sarasota City Commission directed city staff to investigate allegations leveled by former volunteers and staffers.

But city staff didn’t find evidence of their claims.

“No issues have been noted in any of the inspection reports and testing, and none of the accusations have been founded,” said Mary Tucker, purchasing manager for the city of Sarasota, during the Sept. 3 commission meeting.

The investigation included investigation reports from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the most recent of which was completed after an unannounced visit that occurred two days after the July meetings.

That report described the facility as “in overall good condition with all pools clean, adequate perching and enclosures safe for the birds.” It also noted that records and record-keeping system at the facility has “vastly improved” since a previous inspection conducted April 27, 2011.

Commissioner Suzanne Atwell had words of praise for the organization.

“You came here under some interesting situations, where people were accusing you of various sundry things. Well, as far as i'm concerned, you have surely passed the test.”

For more information, pick up a Sept. 12 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].