Stormwater, budget and spiffing up Siesta Key named county priorities

During its annual planning retreat on Friday, Dec. 12, the Sarasota County Commission set its priority agenda for the 2026 calendar year. The retreat was held at the finish tower at Nathan Benderson Park.

The commission’s list of 2026 priorities includes:

• Budget 2028 — critical services and current budget.
• Current and future transportation management on county roads.
• Regional stormwater facilities. 
• Siesta Key beautification, funding and maintenance.

In addition, commissioners intend to focus on crucial agenda topics including affordable housing, transportation and stormwater initiatives. They will formalize the strategic priorities during the Jan. 13, 2026 commission meeting. 

During the retreat, District 5 Commissioner Ron Cutsinger was selected to serve as chairman for 2026 and District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith as vice chair. It will be Cutsinger’s second term with the gavel. Smith, who is running for re-election in 2026, will be vice chair for the first time. The chairman presides at commission meetings and represents the board during ceremonial functions, and the vice chair assumes those duties when the chair is unavailable.