City Commission: Florence Entler

Age: 61

Current occupation: Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach (Own my own business). 

Sarasota County residency: 37 years. 

What are the top three priorities/issues facing the city, and how should the commission address them? 

Budget: Our budget is underfunded due to the 2024 storm. The current commission will hold a budget workshop in July so they will decide the budget before the election. 

Overdevelopment/Affordable housing: They are tied together. We are getting overdevelopment and not getting affordable housing. We should be targeting 80% annual median income and lower if we truly want to fix our workforce housing crisis and not the upper end of 120% AMI, which supplements someone earning a six-figure salary. They city should roll back the bonus density given the developers on the corridors and downtown with a simple zoning text amendment. Our city gave developers four times the density for 15% affordable housing. Not only are we not fixing our affordable housing crisis but we are also overtaxing our already fragile infrastructure. 

Neighborhood safety & quality of life issues: Over $10 million was diverted from neighborhood maintenance and infrastructure projects due to the 2024 storm season. As a commissioner, will prioritize getting that money reallocated to get those projects done. 

Why are you running for office?

The main reason I am running is I feel the residents' voice isn't being heard. I've been following commission meetings for over a decade. Many residents go speak to make their voice heard and it falls on deaf ears. Livability has been ignored. Walkability ignored. Turn down the noise ignored. Overdevelopment and compatibility ignored. The list goes on. As your commissioner, the residents' priorities will be my priorities. 

Have you ever run for public office before? If so, for what office? 

No. 

What makes you the best candidate for this office?

I have the pulse of the community. I've already been working hard for the city. Proudly volunteering for years as the president of the Arlington Park neighborhood and 2nd vice president of the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CCNA). I've been showing up at City Hall for over a decade at commission meetings, planning board meetings, parks and rec., historic preservation, and public art committee. Speaking on local issues such as flooding, traffic, safety, noise, construction and parks. They everyday issues affect our quality of life. 

I have a college degree. I've worked for large and small businesses. I own my own small personal-training business. I've been a bookkeeper, working in human resources, and as an administrative assistant for real estate attorneys. I understand budgets and contracts. Just like my athletic career. I know how to set a goal, do hard work and cross the finish line. I will do that every day as your commissioner. 

Should the city be a landlord in its quest for more affordable housing units?

No, the city should not be a landlord or a developer. We would be the only city in the state to be a landlord of an affordable housing project. What makes the city think it knows better than developers for any other city in our state. The city should sell the 1st Street property it purchased for affordable housing and return the money to the general fund. Any gain from the sale should be contributed to the city's affordable housing trust fund. 

Can you identify any area where you think the city's spending should be cut, or any area where more needs to be spent?

The city should put a sharp eye to the planning and development services department as certain efficiencies could be found. The goal is to address the frustration shared by both residents and developers. Also, more money should be spent on public safety projects. 

What grade would you give the City Commission on managing the city's tax dollars?

B-. 

What needs, if any, to be changed in the city fiscal management?

The city needs at a minimum a 3-to-5 year budget plan. Allocating funds as needs arise is a haphazard way to spend  taxpayers' dollars. 

What changes would you recommend be made to the downtown master plan?

We should start by re-evaluating what is a primary and a secondary street. We keep making building errors. These fundamental issues need to be addressed to better align with the zoning code and improve compatibility. If we correct this, we can avoid making mistakes like we did with projects like The Vue. 

What should the future vision for St. Armands Circle include?

Better management of pedestrian crossings and more storm resiliency. 

What is your position on the city's current millage rate?

The more important question is how will Sarasota take back its home rule authority. As the state continues to impose restrictions, we have less and less control over how we govern our city. Tallahassee is putting its thumb on the scale, making it hard to know what the millage rate means. The millage rate is only one part of the formula for our property taxes and the state is interfering. Should voters approved the property tax referendum in November, it is possible municipalities will have to reconsider their current tax rates to ensure funding essential services. 

What is your position on a pedestrian cross-over bridge across U.S. 41 to The Bay park?

A bridge over U.S. 41 was a primary element of the Bay park from its inception. It would be a great addition to our city. The city hears many complaints from residents about how unsafe it is to cross U.S. 41 to go and enjoy our beautiful park. This is a much-needed public safety project.