Conservationist, former commissioner urges Longboat Key community action

Anyone caught in the gridlock of a high-season traffic jam along the main arterial road of Longboat Key has likely considered what the future development of the island and surrounding cities will become. 

Congested roadways are just one example of the growing pains Sarasota is experiencing, and conservationist Jon Thaxton expounded upon the need for thoughtful planning while lecturing at The Education Center last week.

Thaxton is a former county commissioner, and he brought his four decades of expertise in the field to his talk on balancing development and nature.

Photo by Dana Kampa

He explained how the management of Florida's lands has changed through the decades, converting from a largely untamed landscape where periodic standing floods and lightning-induced fires provided a diverse habitat haven to the state's specific flora and fauna, like the scrub jay.

While certain protections like Sarasota 2050 aimed to facilitate gradual development that would create walkable, balanced residential areas, Thaxton said successive commissions have gradually stolen the teeth from needed protections.

Thaxton explained the necessity of thoughtful planning. He noted many of Sarasota's busiest roads have already expanded to near capacity, and even widening projects may only serve as a Band-Aid for increased demand and growth.

"There are many generations of decision-makers and planners, including myself, that share in the criticism and praise about how we did," he said.

He encouraged attendees not to grow overly discouraged by the thought of continued development. He drew their attention to a graphic of the county, which still had areas not yet earmarked for building. But he said community members must be engaged and informed, particularly regarding land-use plans coming up for a vote in 2026.

"Future decisions are informed by prior decisions, and if we ignore the past, we're obviously destined to repeat it," he said.

The Education Center has two remaining Tuesday lectures for the season, one focused on gastrointestinal health and the other on photography techniques for dance and theatre. Visit the center online for further information.