News Briefs

+ Commission delays decision on pet ordinance
The public comment section of the Dec. 10 Sarasota County Commission meeting lasted for longer than two hours after at least 25 attendees spoke on whether the commission should hold a public hearing on an ordinance banning the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits at local pet stores.

Commissioners persuaded both sides of the argument to allow only three additional speakers from each side of the issue to proceed to the rest of the agenda.

Commissioners voted to delay the decision so County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh could further review the proposed ordinance and offer an opinion.

“Clearly there are some legal concerns,” DeMarsh said.

Proponents claimed the measure would prevent the sale of animals that come from unsanitary and cruel conditions of out-of-state “puppy mills.” Opponents, mostly owners and employees of local pet shops, said the ordinance unfairly demonizes their industry and restricts the freedom of choice for Sarasota County residents.

“I’m just concerned that we’re treading water here in free enterprise,” said Commissioner Joe Barbetta.

“Nobody in this room supports puppy mills,” said Seascape Aquarium and Pet Center owner Rick Marot. “But, you’re going about this all the wrong way.”

+ Comissioners critique TCO issued for Bob’s Boathouse
A Nov. 27 extension for a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) for Bob’s Boathouse should not have been issued, said Sarasota County Planning and Development Services Director Tom Polk.

Polk told commissioners during a Dec. 11 meeting that mistakes within the building department allowed the restaurant to continue running despite having outstanding water and sewer capacity fees. The owner also has yet to comply with shoreline planting requirements or final site and development certification.

“I’m not happy seeing ‘not completed’ on what I consider to be key items,” said Commissioner Joe Barbetta.

Sarasota County Code Enforcement has cited Bob’s Boathouse with two notices of violations since it opened in the fall.

Commissioner Christine Robinson moved to assign staff to review the TCO process, which was approved unanimously.

Polk said staff would meet Friday to begin analyzing the process.

+Sarasota Chamber taps Cooper for VP position
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce welcomed Kevin Cooper as vice president for public policy and Sarasota Tomorrow initiatives during a reception Thursday, Dec. 5.

Cooper spent more than two years as executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, a position in which he tackled the Siesta Key Crystal Classic and the Fourth of July fireworks, among other major island initiatives.

“We needed a key executive with a record of focused work, strong results, and a high level of commitment,” said Chamber President Steve Queior in a news release. Cooper will work with state and local government officials and push community and economic development projects ahead as part of the position.