The Local Community Protests the Sale of County Lands
Today, more than 200 people protested at the corner of Apex & Palmer Boulevard, where Sarasota County proposes to sell land to industrial developers. The first petition goes before County Commissioners for approval on Wednesday, March 1st.
The “Restaurant Depot” project goes to the County Commission for approval in a Public Hearing Wednesday, March 1st at 9am
In addition to protesting the Restaurant Depot project, many attendees today expressed outrage at the proposed “Recycling Center” being planned for the Southwest corner of Apex & Palmer Boulevard.
Rob Wright, Conservation Chair for Sarasota Audubon Society, spoke to many protesters and the reporters present about proposed development projects.
Most just want the Celery Fields to remain the beautiful habitat and park that it has come to known worldwide to be.
Protesters along the median and the south side (facing eastbound traffic) of Palmer Boulevard
Protesters focused on keeping birds & other wildlife safe, and keeping the construction & demolition debris from being processed on land adjacent to this beautiful habitat.
Adrien Lucas was one of the leading volunteers who helped make the protest a success!
Gary Walsh, President of the Meadow Walk Homeowners Association, has been fighting the sale of these lands for some time now. Thanks, Gary!
Standing in front of the parcel that is the subject of the March 1 hearing, protesters showed their feelings about the Rezone Petitions for both the Restaurant Depot project and the TST Ventures project.
At issue: County-owned lands being auctioned off to industry, jeopardizing the the investment of more than $23M in the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility and the Celery Fields Park.
Erika Jackson from ABC 7 and MySuncoast.com captured footage and interviewed protesters and organizers.
A few remaining protesters gathered for a photo as the rally wound down this afternoon.
Luigi Verace, a volunteer from Stand Up, Fight Back SRQ, captures some of the moments for posting online.
Joe Stewart, Past President of Meadow Walk Homeowners Association, and Gary Walsh, President. Meadow Walk is the first residential community to the east of the subject land.
This protest was a family affair, attracting Celery Fields enthusiasts of all ages!
One Reply to “The Local Community Protests the Sale of County Lands”
One Reply to “The Local Community Protests the Sale of County Lands”