Audubon's Dubi: Quad Parcels are Public Lands Forever

 A letter from Jeanne Dubi of Sarasota Audubon -

Audubon has set up a special account for the restoration of the Quad Parcels. 

Donate to the SAS Quad Fund here

Future for the Quads: Agreements come to the Board Oct. 6

  

This Tuesday, Oct. 6, a plan for the Quads parcels at the Celery Fields comes before the Board for approval. It's a plan that contains two Agreements: one places perpetual easements on three of the four parcels; the second provides for the design of what the three parcels will becomes, with Audubon agreeing to play a major role.

In a nutshell, the County grants a perpetual easement for three of the four parcels:

The two agreements -- worked out in private with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and Sarasota Audubon -- set a future course for these parcels, marked as #1 (SE), #2 (SW) and the NW parcel with retention pond. Parcel #3 (NW) has a new fire station and about 6 acres reserved by the County for future development (at Commissioner Maio's recommendation).

Below are links to the Memorandum and two Agreements which the Board is set to vote on:

   1. County Memo explaining the background and purpose of the agreements.

   2. Conservation Easement Agreement with Conservation Foundation

   3. Management Agreement with Sarasota Audubon

Editor's note:

The Conservation Agreement includes two "development envelopes." One allows the construction of a building of up to 40,000 s.f. on the western six acres of the SW parcel #2. Uses for the facility are limited to government, civic, recreational, education and conservation. Earlier discussions with the community included possibilities such as a history museum, visitor and nature center, or cafe.

The second envelope allows for the construction of "limited public amenities" -- restrooms, a pavilion, parking -- on a quarter acre of the eastern portion of the same parcel #2. 

The Agreements are listed as Item 18 on the Board's Consent Agenda for Tuesday, Oct. 6

A petition for the Celery Fields community

At this writing, my son and I are fortunate to be spending a few days in the hills of Western North Carolina. It's a welcome break. But as I took this photo an hour ago from a serene hilltop overlooking the Smokies, I thought of the days I've experienced a sense of solace and tranquility -- looking East in the mornings or West in the evenings -- from our Celery Fields sanctuary and the vantage of its marvelous hill.

It was a community effort that saved this place. Without you, James Gabbert's 16-acre waste facility would be pulverizing construction debris every day next to our nesting wetlands, to the thunder of large trucks pounding Palmer Blvd. 

Personally I can't in good faith ignore the fact that Mike Moran, now seeking reelection in District 1, voted to approve Gabbert's project. It was the overwhelming work of all of you that saved this place. Now, backed by developer money and anonymous PAC funding, Mr. Moran wants our vote to exercise power for four more years.

Fortunately he faces opposition from a Republican who cares about the environment -- Mike Hutchinson. And Mark Pienkos, a Democrat, is ready to face the winner of the August 18 Primary on Nov. 3.

It's perhaps not surprising that Mr. Moran has declined to appear in person to share his views -- the virus is a reasonable excuse. But he has also refused invitations to appear online and face his opponents; he has refused to talk with a reporter doing an article about the District 1 race, and he has bombarded us with photos of himself holding a gun -- as if this somehow assured us that he'll do right by our neighborhoods, our environment, and our quality of life.

What's even more surprising than this candidate's refusal to discuss his record with both constituents and the Press is that the Press - at least so far - is giving him a free pass. Instead of calling him out and noting that he's avoiding the most basic responsibilities of a candidate for public office, our mainstream Media see Mr. Moran's desire to duck public scrutiny of his record and are looking the other way.

Because that's the case, I ask that you join me in signing a Petition to demand that our Media engage our candidates -- all of them. No one deserves special treatment, especially a candidate who's proven he can listen to an entire community's pleas for the Celery Fields and ignore every one of us for the sake of one rich man's dump.

Here's a link to the petition:

http://chng.it/RRjmHq2LCz

Your signature will challenge our local Media to challenge Mike Moran and all our candidates to face the people's issues and questions -- openly, honestly, and without gun in hand.

Peace -- and thanks,

Tom Matrullo

Quads update and a blueprint for water quality

News from the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast: 

Via a conference call on Thursday, Christine Johnson updated progress on the Quad parcels and other projects.

Quads: The CF has met three times with County staff and there is confidence they will have permanent easements in place by the beginning of summer on the three parcels (1,2,4) which the County has agreed to give in perpetuity.

• Parcels 1 and 4 - the Eastern quad parcels - are to be left natural for the most part. Johnson did say there could be some work to bring the canal that runs between the SE parcel and the Celery Fields to a better level of development. I.e., it has paths where people walk, run, bicycle - these might be improved.

• Parcel 2 (SW) could have some development component that would allow for parking. One of the major issues with the entire area is how little parking and other welcoming facilities are there for visitors.

Once these easements are in place, the property will be left to the CF and Audubon to develop and maintain. It is anticipated there will be no county funding. Here's where the community is likely to be invited to step up and help out.

The Foundation is also working toward solutions for other properties, including the giant Orange Hammock near North Port. The latest on this 5,500-acre site is that the CF has until June 1 to come up with $1.5 million for it. Johnson said this is a key project in that it not only means fewer homes, but also protects drinking water, serves as animal habitat, protects against floods, and still offers recreative and eco-tourism uses. Amazingly, Johnson says the CF is already 41% on its way to the $1.5 million needed.
More here.

Updates on other projects, including Bobby Jones, the Felts preserve, and more - can be found via links here.

a blueprint for

water quality improvement

to stop feeding

harmful algae blooms

As many know, Jon Thaxton and Steve Suau were two of the key people behind the creation of the Celery Fields Water Management facility. 

They're still concerned with water, and will be giving several talks on the results of a year's research on nutrients in our soil, and how they affect our bays and waterways. It's a wake-up call for us all. 

Jon and Steve will be at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice this Tuesday (March 10) shortly after 1:30 pm presenting to the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners.

Also on Tuesday, they'll do a broader version of their work at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice at 7 pm. It's at 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, Florida 34292.

And they'll be presenting at CONA Sarasota on Friday March 20, at 7, at the Waldemere Fire Station.

Some slides from the "Playbook" are here. For the interpretive commentary, try to get to one of these presentations -- we all affect water quality, and in turn it affects us all.

First update on the public/private plan for the Quads

CONA Sarasota's last meeting (1.10.20) offered the occasion for a brief update on the Quads parcels. According to information shared by the Conservation Foundation, so far the Foundation has held one meeting with Sarasota Audubon and Sarasota County.

They discussed the process for working together, wish lists for desired outcomes, and success criteria. Nothing decided, just procedural. The project design will take many months as there are many county departments and two not-for-profits involved. A second meeting had not yet been scheduled.

This was shared by Kafi Benz at last evening's CONA meeting.

In addition at CONA, those attending heard a good deal of information on the Fish Farm proposed offshore from Justin Bloom and Julie Miller, and about efforts to speed the transition to renewable energy from Sean Sellers of the Suncoast Climate Justice Coalition:

For the record: Coverage of the Nov. 6 decision to protect the Quads

Drone shot courtesy of Emanuel Guzman

My Suncoast  11.07.19 Public lands near Celery Fields - at least three of the four - to be conserved 

Adrien Lucas: We won - but Gabbert's WTF needs to be watched

Sarasota News Leader: Conservation easement to be placed on three of county’s Quads parcels adjacent to the Celery Fields

Herald Tribune: Board agrees to save Quads

Observer Protesters want undeveloped Celery Fields as County Commission approves Easement  (not just "protesters," Matt Walsh)

Link: Roundtable: John McCarthy, Adrien Lucas, David Johnson and Tom Matrullo with Bill Logan 

More here

Last Stand Protest, Nov. 2, at the public parcels near the Celery Fields

Board Meets Wed. Nov. 6 to address rezoning possibly to industrial use.

1660 Ringling Blvd.

1:30 pm

Adrien Lucas: Last Stand at Celery Hill

Last Stand at Celery Hill Our rally this past Saturday (11/2/19) was uplifting! Over 150 people took time from their busy schedules to gather at our Sarasota County Quad properties to demonstrate to the SRQ County Commissioners that pretending to be blind to their community is unacceptable and their intent to sell the public owned Quads for industrial development is not something the voting public will accept. This is Groundhog Politics but we will break the broken cycle of Sarasota County Commissioners who take license with our liberty and evaporating green spaces for the handful of developers in town who apparently the Commissioners work solely for. The fight to Save Our Celery Fields is not over. Details of this week's upcoming County Board meeting (Nov. 6) may be found in this email below as with a ton of links to recent press about our efforts. I cannot do this without you and the Saturday protest helped raise community spirit, awareness and energy for the future fight against the Commissioners ill intent to harm our community by selling OUR CELERY FIELDS QUADS for development. While setting up for the rally, I found it amusing and yet heartbreaking as I watched two Sand Hill Cranes fly over Gabbert's dump being built and the Quad parcel that our Commissioners tried to sell to Mr. Gabbert for his dump in 2017. County Staff reports they have never seen any animal/bird activity on these Quads and yet the Sarasota County Instragram page has a picture of Sand Hill Cranes stating they mate for life. If only the Commissioners would open their eyes to nature in real life, at some point, pictures will be the only thing left of the dwindling birds and wildlife that our County uses for marketing purposes. They just don't get it. Instead the Commissioners want to introduce even more traffic of semi's/trucks on to what are already considered a big F - failing level of service for area roads. What a "gift" for the people who live off or near Palmer Boulevard; what a "gift" for the Sand Hill Cranes who mate for life and get creamed on a regular basis on Palmer Boulevard. Thanks Commissioners, I think you are earning a big F for your level of service to the community! A mighty giant thanks to all who attended the rally and to all who have emailed the Commissioners voicing your opposition. Please keep the faith, we are on the right side of community and we will prevail. I hope to see you Wednesday at the Commission meeting, again, details below. Bunches of Celery Hugs, Adrien Lucas

Date: Wed. November 6, 2019 Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL Click Here for Directions Parking may be found behind the County building in the parking lot. Public Comments: Persons wishing to speak at Open to the Public must complete a Request to Speak card. Cards are found on a table inside the County Chamber. Link to Agenda Click Here: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - (Three-minute time limit per person.) Discussion Section: Planning & Development Services A. Presentation of the Critical Area Plan Study for the I-75/Fruitville Road Major Employment Sector Plan (CAP No. 83-10-SP), including the County-owned Quads parcels; B. To consider amendments to Critical Area Plan No. 83-10-SP, located east of I-75 at Palmer Boulevard. 11. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - (Three-minute time limit per person.)

Commissioners vote like your children play at Celery Fields. Vote like your children live near Celery Fields. Vote like you actually care about the people of Sarasota and its remaining dwindling but needed green spaces. Vote like you actually recognize the Celery Fields is an eco-gem and its tourism revenue will be a dazzling investment for SRQ. Sarasota County's Zoning Mission Statement: Zoning's fundamental purpose is to protect a community's health, safety and welfare. Zoning's fundamental purpose is to enhance the wealth and political power of Developers+the collective few who are willing to sell their integrity for puny monetary $$ support.

Email the Sarasota County Commissioners Email Sarasota County Commissioners Charles Hines, Al Maio, Nancy Detert, Mike Moran and Christian Ziegler to let them know you oppose the sales of county owned lands known as "The Quads" and that the county must begin the process of recognizing the Quads as part of the Celery Field Regional Stormwater Facility a.k.a. The Celery Fields park. Just click the button to the right and the link will take you straight to the Commissioners email box.

Click here to email the Sarasota County Commission

Useful Links, Supporting Material & Some Helluva Good Press from the Past Week!

Sarasota County residents rally for Celery Fields and denounce ‘groundhog politics’ Herald Tribune by Anna Bryson | Nov 2, 2019 Video Celery Fields Protest Live to VOD recordings of WWSB's newscasts ABC Channel 7 by Taylor Torregano | November 1, 2019  Organizers plan 'Last Stand for Celery Hill' protest Saturday ABC Channel 7 by Taylor Torregano | November 1, 2019  SEIDMAN: Déjà vu all over again at Celery Fields Herald Tribune by Carrie Seidman | Octobert 31, 2019 After the Nov. 2 rally for Celery Fields Citizen's for Sarasota County Blog by Tom Matrullo | November 3, 2019 On Nov. 6, County Commission to discuss draft staff report that includes development options for Quads property next to Celery Fields Sarasota News Leaser by Rachel Brown Hackney |October 24, 2019 Fresh Start for the Celery Fields, a real time blog holding any and all things related to the Celery Fields and Sarasota County government. Great place to learn what we are up against. This is a useful site for appropriate cut and paste sentences for writing why you oppose the sale of the Quads. Comment on Critical Area Plan for the Quad Parcels at the Celery Fields, a breakdown on the proposed county staff Celery Field Quad CAP analysis to Sarasota planner Mr. Kirk. A video of Fresh Start's presentation to the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners on Sept. 12, 2018 that apparently fell on deaf ears.  Click here to View.

Sent by Adrien Lucas, Sarasota p.t. private citizen and small business owner who wants to Save Our Celery Fields! 941-539-9044 adrienoh@yahoo.com

Scenes from a rally: Nov. 2 protest at the Quads and Celery Fields

Above: A selection of photos by Miri Hardy taken at the Nov. 2, 2019 Peaceful Protest to express public outrage at the prospective rezoning and sale of the Quads, public lands at the Celery Fields, to private developers.

Photos #7, #8 and #10 came from Dennis Robertson -- thanks!

More information here from organizer Adrien Lucas.

Please sign the Petition to save our public lands and protect our birding and recreational lands.

Sarasota County Map: Quads Parcels and Celery Fields

Groundhog Day at the Quads: Nov. 2, 10 a.m.

Eagle at Celery Fields
-- courtesy of Chuck Behrmann

Last Stand

MEDIA ADVISORY

November 2, 2019

Adrien Lucas 941-539-9044 / Tom Matrullo 941-321-7663

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners has initiated a "CAP" / Critical Area Plan report for the public lands known as “the Quads” adjacent to the Celery Fields. That plan will be heard at their November 6th meeting. What the Board decides holds the future for these public lands. We must stop them for good this time and ensure that our Quad properties are saved from development.

WHAT: A peaceful rally to protest against the Sarasota Board of Commissioners ignoring robust community opinion regarding rezones and sales of public lands surrounding Our Celery Fields owned by the people of Sarasota County.

WHEN / WHERE:  Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. / Corner of Palmer Blvd. and Apex Rd.

PARKING: Off of Palmer Road, park your car on the berm of Palmer Road where it is legal to park: we encourage people to carpool and to leave the Celery Fields parking lot open for visitors.

WHO: A broad-based, non-partisan group of Sarasota County taxpayers, Neighborhood Association members, Sarasota Bird Watchers and Park-Goers will be gathering in protest to what continues to be one of a growing number of “biggest blunders” by Sarasota County Government officials.

WHY:

• 2017: we defeated the county from selling quad properties to Saudi-owned Restaurant Depot and we kept TST Ventures from building a debris demolition facility next to Our Celery Fields. 
• 2018: Sarasota County Commissioners hired a consultant to study the “highest and best use” of the Quads, spending $61K to rubber stamp what the board has always wanted -- the consultant returning the verdict of best use as “industry.” The county commissioners ignored thoughtful and well-prepared community input by numerous community groups, so,
• Here we are again: “County Groundhog Day” fighting for the commissioners to back off and recognize that the County is failing to adhere to its own standard that "Zoning's fundamental purpose is to Protect a Community's Health, Safety and Welfare."

WE ARE NON-PARTISAN NIMBYS

WE GATHER OUR COMMUNITY TO SHARE

INFORMATION AND SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE SALE OF

LANDS NEAR OUR CELERY FIELD!

                                     FACEBOOK EVENT: CLICK

https://www.facebook.com/events/463708997558141/

Spoonie - Chuck Behrmann